Newcastle United star Allan Saint-Maximin is not for sale this summer - according to defiant head coach Eddie Howe. United fans woke up to weekend headlines that the French ace was for sale at bids starting at £50million as part of a summer reshuffle on Tyneside.
But Howe insists the winger has a "long-term" future at St James' Park. The Chronicle Live player of the year in 2020 and 2021 has been linked with Friday night's opponents Wolves as well as Aston Villa.
But Howe did not mince his words at Thursday's Press conference. Howe said: "I've got a great relationship with Maxi.
GO HERE: The Big Takeover Survey - rate the start Newcastle owners have made six months in
"I've really enjoyed working with him and we need him at his very best levels. He could potentially be the difference.
"He's an incredible talent and of course he has a long-term future at the club."
When asked about his rapport levels with Saint-Maximin, Howe replied they were good and said: "Absolutely, yes. Don’t always believe what you read in the papers.
"I’ve got a great relationship with Maxi, I’ve really enjoyed working with him."
