Pundit Exclusive: Newcastle tipped to seal two Jan signing after double update via BBC
Gabriel Agbonlahor has tipped Newcastle United to enter the January transfer market to secure cover for Allan Saint-Maximin and Jamal Lascelles.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider correspondent Connor Whitley, the former Aston Villa and England striker insisted the absence of Saint-Maximin will hit the Magpies especially hard.
The BBC reported earlier this week the pair are suffering from the long-term effects of coronavirus and it is not known when they will return to action.
The pair were amongst a number of the Newcastle squad that contracted the virus which caused their game against Aston Villa to be postponed earlier this month.
Rumours began circulating that a falling out between Bruce and Saint-Maximin was to blame for his recent absence.
However, the Frenchman took to Instagram to quash suggestions of a bust-up and insisted he loves playing for Newcastle.
Asked by Football Insider whether it was worrying that the pair will be out for an extended period, Agbonlahor said: “Yes, especially Saint-Maximin - he’s been on fire for them.
“Lascelles is their captain and he wouldn’t want to be without him for too long.
“I’m sure Steve Bruce will be hoping to bring in a couple of players as well.
“It’s definitely not good to be missing those players because they’ve been good to him - especially Saint-Maximin he’s been a bright spark for them.”
Saint-Maximin and Lascelles have both missed Newcastle's last four games including their shock quarter-final Carabao Cup exit to Championship side Brentford on Tuesday.
In their absence in the Premier League, the Toon have beaten West Brom, lost to Leeds and drew with Fulham.