Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe wants to keep Allan Saint-Maximin at St James' Park - sending out an early message to AC Milan this summer.
The Serie A side were keen on Saint-Maximin in January while Nottingham Forest also put in an enquiry for the winger's services. But Howe - who has restored Saint-Maximin to his front three - is looking long-term with the French star.
Howe suggested he has no interest in doing business on the winger who is contracted at the club until 2026. Speaking about the former Nice star's future, Howe said: "I wouldn't be picking him in the team if he wasn't part of the now and the future because I don't believe in that. The rest is up to Allan. Allan has to perform week in, week out to maintain his standing in the group.
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"That's the same for any player. We really like him, we really respect him, he can make a difference for us."
Howe has particularly been impressed by Saint-Maximin's defensive tracking this season and the fact he picked up a muscle injury away to Wolverhampton Wanderers when chasing back is evidence that the duo are enjoying working together.
Howe says: "I think certainly there are things that we really believe in, we set a structure in place that we want the players to follow.
"Allan has followed that. The same as everyone else. His behaviour day to day has been very good. No issues, no problems, he's been fine."
