Allan Saint-Maximin hopes Marcus Thuram will REJECT Liverpool in favour of Newcastle

Allan Saint-Maximin is hopeful that Liverpool target Marcus Thuram will instead join him at Newcastle.

Both clubs, along with Manchester United, have both been linked with the Borussia Monchengladbach and France star, who is out of contract at the end of the season.

Speaking to the Shields Gazette, Saint-Maximin admitted he's hopeful the Magpies can sign his French compatriot.

When asked about Thuram, he said: 'He is a great player and I hope we have a chance to take him here. I was so happy for him [to play at the World Cup].'

Saint-Maximin is close friends with Thuram, having played youth football at Boulogne-Billancourt alongside him as well as representing France together at Under-17, Under-20 and Under-21 level.

The Newcastle winger has also opened up on speaking to Thuram about what life in Newcastle is like.

He added: 'Yeah, I will be honest, I have chatted with him. For me, he’s a great player.

'I’ve known this guy a long time. I’ve been playing football with him when I was very young. I know all his family. He has great parents. He’s an incredible guy.'

Thuram came off the bench to help France force extra-time in Sunday’s World Cup final as he set-up Kylian Mbappe’s second goal.

Les Bleus though went on to lose on penalties following a thrilling  3-3 draw.

Thuram, son of 1998 World Cup winner Lilian, has been in fine form in Germany this season, scoring 13 goals across 17 appearances.

With the player entering the final six months of his contract, there have been reports  that he could be available for just £10.5million during the January window.

Liverpool could be looking for a forward player like Thuram, due to Luis Diaz's injury that will keep him out for a number of months.

Newcastle are currently ahead of Jurgen Klopp's side in third in the Premier League table - just seven points off leaders Arsenal following a brilliant start to the season.