Newcastle United chiefs have played down talk of Allan Saint-Maximin being linked with AC Milan. The Frenchman made front page headlines in Italy's Tuttosport over a possible move to the Serie A giants.
But Chronicle Live has been told Eddie Howe wants to hold on to Saint-Maximin - especially with time running out in the January window. It is also believed that a handful of Premier League clubs enquired about getting Saint-Maximin on loan including Nottingham Forest.
However, unlike Chris Wood's exit, Howe is eager to stick with the former Nice winger despite him not starting a Premier League game since August. Saint-Maximin made a cameo appearance at Southampton in the narrow win last night on the South Coast.
READ MORE: Newcastle send message away from cameras after Southampton and scary Anthony Gordon prospect
Speaking about Saint-Maximin, Howe said last night: “I thought all the subs, even Jacob coming on, he didn’t have as long as the other two, did really well,” said Howe.
“Alex’s contribution to the goal was exceptional, and he could have scored right at the end. Really, really pleased with him. And Maxi, his decision-making, and when to dribble and when to pass, was at the highest level. I think we’re seeing Maxi hopefully return to his best form.”
Saint-Maximin looks set to be staying but a move for Anthony Gordon looks to be gathering pace. The attacker was not present at Everton's training ground on Tuesday and while the Toffees maintained a code of silence there was also no denial from the top at Goodison Park. In previous windows, talk of Gordon to Newcastle and Chelsea has been played down.
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