Newcastle United star Allan Saint-Maximin responds to Aston Villa transfer talk

Allan Saint-Maximin has responded to talk of a Newcastle United exit this summer.

The Frenchman has been linked with a move to Aston Villa with other Premier League teams tipped to sign the tricky winger. It has been claimed that Saint-Maximin will be made available for transfer this summer with Newcastle looking for around £50 million for the 25 year-old.

Saint-Maximin is a fan favourite at St James’ Park and Magpies boss Eddie Howe has said that selling the former Nice star is not in his plans. But it is being reported in the national press that although Newcastle are flush with cash after a takeover by a consortium including Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund, their new owners do not plan on splashing the cash this summer without selling a player or two.

They are almost certain to spend £15m on Matt Targett, turning his loan move until the end of the season from Villa into a permanent deal. Howe will want to continue strengthening his squad with a relegation battle almost certainly over and he can now turn his attention to the summer transfer window.

Newcastle spent big money in January on quality players including Chris Wood and Bruno Guimaraes. “The Newcastle fans are really important for me with the love they give,” Saint-Maximin told Soccer AM.

“I’m so proud to be at this club and to be here. “I want to give back to Newcastle, to the fans and to the people who really like me here. I want to stay here for a long time. It is a nice way for me to give back to the fans.”

Saint-Maximin has made 28 appearances for Newcastle this season, scoring five times and registering three assists. He arrived from Nice in 2019 for around £20m and has appeared 86 times in total for the Magpies.

Villa are well stocked in attack with Philippe Coutinho, Emiliano Buendia, Leon Bailey and Bertrand Traore all able to play on the wings. A move for Saint-Maximin looks unlikely at this stage.