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.
