Allan Saint-Maximin has claimed he has no reason to be "jealous" of Liverpool star Sadio Mane and his ability.
The Newcastle star has reportedly been growing increasingly frustrated with life at St James' Park, despite Eddie Howe's men going on a remarkable winning run. They have lost just four of their last 17 games to pull away from the relegation zone and break into the top half of the Premier League.
Saint-Maximin has been a key player in that run, with the Frenchman frequently the Magpies' most threatening player. But while he has looked like their most creative force, Saint-Maximin's return in front of goal has been poor this season.
He has scored just five goals and registered only four assists in his 38 appearances in all competitions, though that is an improvement on last year. Even so, he is reportedly looking for an exit from the Magpies to join a team with better quality in forward areas.
Comparisons have been drawn between Saint-Maximim and Liverpool star Mane. The Senegal international has enjoyed another successful for the Reds, scoring 21 goals in all competitions.
He has helped to fire Jurgen Klopp's men on a run towards what would be a historic quadruple of trophy wins. Mane's differing fortunes compared to Saint-Maximin has led some to question if the Newcastle star might be jealous of the Liverpool man.
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But that is an accusation that Saint-Maximin has now hit back at, as the summer transfer window approaches. He has insisted that he would be able to match Mane's goal return, if he was in a team with better quality.
"Those who have played with me know very well that in terms of pure quality, I have nothing to envy to Sadio Mané. The day when I have a player capable of finishing the actions, I will make seasons with 10-15 assists, and I will change dimension in the people's heads," he told So Foot magazine.
"Doing things that make an impression, changing the rules, that's the goal. Like what Michael Jordan managed to do. Jordan, he changed some people's lives, he gave people work, and that's the beauty of it."
Saint-Maximin has been moved out to the left wing by Howe in recent months, but he has failed to score since the middle of January. His latest blank came against Liverpool last Saturday, but the Newcastle boss defended the Frenchman for his performance.
"I thought as an attacking force (against Liverpool), we probably weren’t at our best — Allan is obviously focal to that. But then again, we found it difficult to get the ball to him in dangerous areas," Howe said.
"Maxi thrives on early balls to him and tries to get at the full-back and center-backs in one vs. one duels. I felt we could never isolate them (Liverpool) due to the fact you have to complement them. They do this week-in, week-out. Maxi worked hard and gave his best for the team, but from an attacking force, we weren’t quite right."
