Allan Saint-Maximin has described Marcus Thuram as "an incredible guy" amid his transfer links with Newcastle United.
The 25-year-old centre-forward has been watched by the Magpies in recent years on various scouting missions in the Bundesliga. Borussia Mönchengladbach will see Thuram's contract expire at the end of the season.
When asked about his big pal Thuram, Saint-Maximin said: "Yeah, I will be honest, I have a chat with him (about NUFC). For me, he’s a great player.
READ MORE: "You think you could be there" - Allan Saint-Maximin's mixed emotions ahead of World Cup final
"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.
"When I see that he’s scored maybe nine, 10 goals in Bundesliga, and he had a call-up for the French national team, and he’s in a great position to make have the chance to win the World Cup, as I want my country to win. "When I see that, I just think ‘wow’"
Saint-Maximin will be roaring France and Thuram on this weekend as they face up to the mighty Argentina. After missing out on a place in the French squad, the winger said: "I don’t feel sad, because I’m happy for them and for him.
"I missed the first World Cup, and now it’s the second one, but I didn’t have the feeling to feel bad, with really bad emotion. When you love your country, the manager has to make a choice. Now they maybe win again."
Saint-Maximin must now target the Euro qualifier in Paris against Holland in March next year as he bids to win his first senior cap. Looking ahead to one of his big aims for 2023, Saint-Maximin said: "I will just to always give my best, and I’m sure with the quality I have, one day I will be able to have the chance. I’m sure when I get my chance, I will show what I’m capable of doing."
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