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Matty Hewitt

Newcastle United told Alexander Isak deal could create Allan Saint-Maximin dilemma

Former Liverpool defender Phil Babb believes the imminent arrival of Alexander Isak could spell danger for Allan Saint-Maximin. The Swedish striker is on the verge of a £59million move to Newcastle United, which is set to be confirmed in the next 48 hours.

The Magpies have been linked with the Real Sociedad striker all summer, but it was a deal that had fallen quiet in recent weeks. The recent injury to Callum Wilson has seemingly forced Newcastle's hand.

Babb told Sky Sports news: "It has to be, it's such a shame for Callum Wilson. We all know the talent he's got. If he can stay fit he'll score oodles of goals, but the one thing you have to think about is, he's an explosive dynamic striker and he relies on pace and sharp movement.

Newcastle United transfer news LIVE: Martin Dubravka interest and Alexander Isak 'bid accepted'

"When your hamstring goes - it's not the first time - that's going to affect his performance, affect him running through. There's a weakness in there and it has to be addressed.

"They need a striker and Isak for me is an interesting player, because he's rangy, 6ft3, loves a nutmeg, very good dribbler but he likes to drift out on to the left-hand side and cut in on his right. Very much like Saint-Maximin.

"So, for me, it's an interesting one if he gravitates out there. One; does Eddie know something that we don't about Saint-Maximin, two; can they accommodate Isak through the middle to play as an out and out striker? I'm not so sure.

"He's not going to get you bundles of goals and that what the Newcastle fans - he's costing a lot of money so he's going to have to offer different things."

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