Newcastle United are set for a busy summer transfer window and plenty of money is expected to be spent by the Magpies as they continue their rebuild ahead of an ambitious future.
A huge clearout of players is also anticipated, as they set about freeing up space for players of a higher calibre, but there could be one potential exit that Magpies fans may struggle to come to terms with.
Star player Allan Saint-Maximin has been linked with a move away from St. James’ Park this summer and the Frenchman hasn’t completely ruled out an exit after being questioned over his future.
Speaking to Chronicle Live, he said: "To be honest every year people think I am going to leave. And finally I stay. I stayed because I love the club and love the supporters. I will see what is happening and what is the best for my future. At this time, I really want to be focused. And after the season I will decide what I will do."
Newcastle signed Saint-Maximin from Nice for £20million in 2019 and he has arguably been their saviour over the past two seasons, and while he admitted last summer that he didn’t want a relegation battle for a third consecutive campaign, it certainly began to look that way following the Magpies’ dreadful start.
But a top half finish could be on the cards instead following a fantastic turnaround, and the 25-year-old has continued to shrug off any rumours of a potential exit this summer. Saint-Maximin may also be convinced to stay at Newcastle to remain part of the project under the club's new owners.
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It’s fair to say that the Frenchman will have his fair share of potential suitors should he look for a move away this summer, but he could already be at the best place possible should the Magpies achieve a top half finish this season, which is what he is solely focusing on for now.
He said: "We just want to win games - and as many as possible. We want to start aiming higher than just not going down. I'm really proud of the team and we need to keep going to do the same. The aim is not to be looking over our shoulders or be avoiding going down.
"We just want to look higher and see where is the highest we can possibly finish. We just need to keep going game by game, one single game at a time and we'll be sure to do that. If we do that I am sure we will be in a great position at the end of the season."
On a personal level, Saint-Maximin has enjoyed a relatively successful time on Tyneside, scoring 12 goals and contributing 14 assists in 87 appearances in all competitions over three seasons, but he has also wowed spectators with his speed, dribbling and threat in the final third.
And no matter what happens this summer, the Frenchman has become a fan favourite at the club and has admitted the love he has felt from supporters. They can only hope he will stay, but he has potentially hinted at what lies ahead for him when asked to comment on the Gallowgate faithful.
He said: “The supporters are always behind us. You know, when you see what has happened with the club, they really deserve that. And much better things will come in the summer, so I am so happy for them."
