Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe wants Allan Saint-Maximin to stay on Tyneside - despite uncertainty about his future.
Saint-Maximin endured a tough season last term after being affected by injury in the first part of the season. By the time he returned he could not break into Howe's starting line-up, and accepted that he could not simply expect to walk back into the team.
With those injuries behind him though, Howe still rates Saint-Maximin highly and has him earmarked for a role in his team next season. Newcastle's Champions League nights could offer the French winger the ideal chance to show what he can do on the big stage.
Saint-Maximin, who won Chronicle Live's player of the season in both 2020 and 2021, posted a message on his Instagram that suggested his career had reached a turning point. But Howe is looking forward to the winger returning to training.
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At the end of the previous campaign, Howe stated the French ace's future would be determined by the player himself. Yet it is understood that Howe has since made it clear to Saint-Maximin he is wanted.
Howe said at the end of last term: "We just hope he comes back really fit and ready to do well in what is a massive season for him personally."
Saint-Maximin said last spring: "I haven’t played as much this season because the team was doing so well when I was injured, but I’m happy to fight for my place. I’m more mature now than when I joined the club three-and-half years ago and I’m ready for everything."
AC Milan were interested in Saint-Maximin both in January and the previous summer. But nothing got off the ground in terms of a bid, interested parties would need to pay close to £50million for his services.
