Newcastle United news: Pundit makes ‘massive’ Allan Saint-Maximin claim after transfer update
Alan Hutton has suggested Allan Saint-Maximin is not worth the “massive” wages it would take for Newcastle United to keep him.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former Tottenham and Aston Villa defender sees Saint-Maximin as someone who will be utilised off the bench, rather than a regular member of Eddie Howe’s starting XI.
The 26-year-old’s current contract runs until 2026 after he signed an extension in 2020.
The winger has remained an important member of Eddie Howe’s side and has made 26 appearances across all competitions, with one goal and five assists in those outings.
But he faces competition from the likes of Joelinton, Miguel Almiron, Anthony Gordon and Jacob Murphy for a place in the starting lineup.
According to TEAMtalk (14 April), the Magpies are not planning on offering the Frenchman a new contract despite his wishes to stay at St James’ Park.
Newcastle are believed to be looking to bring in more forward options during the summer window and are willing to sacrifice Saint-Maximin in order to do so.
When asked if it would be foolish to let the forward go, Hutton told Football Insider: “Time will tell.
“He is that different kind of player, he is a maverick, you just have to let him go and play and be himself.
“Is that what Eddie Howe sees his team being moving forward? I do not really think so.
“I think he wants to play a particular brand of football and does not really want that one maverick player that is just running everywhere.
“He is a good player to have in your squad, you can bring him on to change a game. Is it worth giving him the massive wages and long-term contract for that reason? I am not so sure, I think they could probably reinvest it somewhere else.“
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