Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe does not want the Allan Saint-Maximin saga to rumble on during pre-season.
Howe indicated at the end of the season that Saint-Maximin's future would be "dictated" by the player himself as he weighed up whether to stay on Tyneside or seek guaranteed game-time elsewhere. With Newcastle's transfer narrative already spinning out of control due to the number of linked players and agent leaks, Howe is keen to get focus within the group ahead of pre-season training and the trip to the United States.
Howe's logic on Saint-Maximin is understandable given he has the calibre and quality to step on to the big stage on Champions League nights and be the star of the show. Facing Europe's elite band of clubs would not daunt the Toon winger.
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But there are other attractions for Saint-Maximin in a very active market too. AC Milan have been tracking him for a number of months and there is also said to be interest from Marseille although they need to get through the play-offs to qualify for this season's Champions League.
Saint-Maximin has been linked with AC Milan with the Serie A club already having an open line of communication to Tyneside after the Sandro Tonali deal. Newcastle will want a cash fee for the French winger if he decides to look for pastures new.
The former Nice star has been linked with Everton but Goodison Park sources have indicated that a cash fee is currently beyond the Toffees. A report last night suggested that clubs in the Saudi Pro League, including PIF-owned Al Nassr, Al Hilal, Al Ittihad and Al Ahli, were interested in Saint-Maximin.
That would be a breakthrough switch between Newcastle and one of the PIF clubs in Saudia Arabia but it remains to be seen whether Saint-Maximin starts the summer with United. Howe stated he'd be happy to see the French star stay and support his bid to play for France at the next European Championships in summer 2024.
Meanwhile, Al Ahli have signed Roberto Firmino on a three-year deal after he left Liverpool. The Brazil star shares the same agent as Newcastle star Joelinton.
