Exclusive: Robinson claims 'Key' Newcastle star may be replaced as new signing close

Paul Robinson has claimed that Ademola Lookman could replace the injured Allan Saint-Maximin in the Newcastle United starting XI.

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider assistant editor Russell Edge, the former Spurs and England goalkeeper says that the French winger has been a huge miss for the Magpies during his injury layoff.

As revealed by Football Insider, Newcastle are closing in on a loan-to-buy deal for Lookman from RB Leipzig with a medical scheduled for the 22-year-old.

With Saint-Maximin still ruled out for Steve Bruce, Robinson says the former Everton attacker could be the perfect addition to fill the void left by the Magpies' mercurial star.

Robinson told Football Insider: "I think Lookman will be a good addition. You don't know what budget they've got to spend, he was at Everton, he knows the league so it could be a good move for him.

"He'll be a key addition because I think they've missed Saint-Maximin, I think they've really missed him. He was just finding his form, he was becoming a real threat. He's key because he carries the attacking threat."

Saint-Maximin has played 12 times across all competitions since his move from OGC Nice last summer but has seen injury problems curtail his campaign already.

He missed three of the opening five games through a hamstring and a thigh issue, while he has been sidelined for the Magpies' last five fixtures with another muscle problem.

In other Newcastle United news, it can be REVEALED that Celtic are plotting a move to sign one of their players after Bruce makes up his mind.