Newcastle boss Howe speaks out over Allan Saint-Maximin exit links
Newcastle boss Howe speaks out over Allan Saint-Maximin exit links
Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe has, on Friday, spoken out over the future of star attacker Allan Saint-Maximin.
Wide-man ASM was of course at his scintillating best during the week, playing a central role in Newcastle downing Everton by three goals to one, to climb out of the Premier League’s relegation zone.
Such form, however, has often evaded the Frenchman of late, with mounting questions surrounding his on-pitch commitment having even culminated in suggestions that Saint-Maximin could be on the move in the near future.
If the aforementioned latest comments on the part of Eddie Howe are anything to go by, though, then those of a Magpies persuasion hopeful of watching the 24-year-old showcase his talents at St. James’ Park for years to come need not fret.
This comes with the club’s boss, during his pre-Aston Villa press conference, having today assured that ASM remains central to his plans moving forward:
“There’s absolutely no intention from my side to lose Maxi,” Howe explained to the media. “I’ve seen no indication from the player that his head’s anywhere other than Newcastle, and making sure he’s committed to us in this position and trying to elevate the team out of the difficulties we’re in.
WATFORD, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 25: Allan Saint-Maximin an Jeremy Ngakia during the Premier League match between Watford and Newcastle United at Vicarage Road on September 25, 2021 in Watford, England. (Photo by Rob Newell – CameraSport via Getty Images)
“I see a player that loves playing at St James’ Park in front of the supporters, and is idolised by them. That relationship is key to Maxi, and I think it’s really important we help improve him.
“That’s always been my way with every player. My main focus every day is trying to find an edge to make his game better, and I think if he does, he’ll enjoy a great career, hopefully here, for many, many years.”
⚫️⚪️ Eddie Howe adamant that Allan Saint-Maximin will be going nowhere – and that he can achieve everything he wants to with #NUFC….https://t.co/UmblaewSuO
— Scott Wilson (@Scottwilsonecho) February 11, 2022
Botman to Milan?
Howe’s comments regarding Saint-Maximin of course come just weeks on from the Frenchman seeing no fewer than five new teammates arrive on Tyneside over the course of the January transfer window.
Amid a concerted push to add fresh quality to the club’s relegation-battling squad, Newcastle’s new Saudi owners sanctioned deals for all of Kieran Trippier, Chris Wood, Bruno Guimaraes, Matt Targett and Dan Burn.
And a similar recruitment drive is expected to take place in the summer at St. James’ Park, too.
One key target who could well be set to slip through the fingers of the Magpies brass, however, comes in the form of LOSC Lille defender Sven Botman.
Stopper Botman was of course hotly tipped to link up with Newcastle throughout the winter.
Just days on from the market slamming shut, though, it has been revealed that the 22-year-old’s representatives have opened discussions with Italian giants AC Milan, over the possibility of a summer San Siro switch:
Meeting ongoing between the agents of Sven Botman and AC Milan board in Milano. He’s AC Milan priority as they will sign a new centre back in June. 🔴🇳🇱 #ACMilan
Newcastle wanted to offer €50m three days before Deadline Day – but Lille considered Botman ‘untouchable’ in Jan.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) February 10, 2022
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