Newcastle United’s 13-word response to shock Allan Saint-Maximin transfer talk as two more deals are confirmed

Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe has described Allan Saint-Maximin as ‘integral’ and hit out at speculation the winger could be allowed to leave St James Park before Tuesday night’s transfer deadline.

The former Nice and Bastia star has not started a Premier League game since he scored in a 1-1 draw at Wolverhampton Wanderers in August and has endured an injury-hit season after suffering a hamstring injury when scoring his side’s equaliser at Molineux.

Despite being back to full fitness, Saint-Maximin has had to settle for a player on the bench over United’s last ten Premier League games and in Carabao Cup wins against Bournemouth, Leicester City and Southampton. That, coupled with Anthony Gordon’s arrival from Everton, had led to some speculation Serie A giants AC Milan were considering a move to take the winger to Italy - but Howe has insisted the French star will remain on Tyneside.

Speaking in his pre-match press conference ahead of the Carabao Cup semi-final second leg against Southampton, Howe said: "Absolutely not, he's here to stay, he's an integral part of my team."

There could be further outgoings ahead of Tuesday night’s deadline as Jonjo Shelvey closes in on a move to Nottingham Forest after agreeing a two-and-a-half year deal at the City Ground. The long-serving midfielder is expected to be followed by Karl Darlow after Howe confirmed the goalkeeper will join Championship club Hull City on loan following Tuesday night’s meeting with Southampton.

He said: “He (Darlow) will be involved with us tomorrow and then he’ll join Hull. Martin (Dubravka) is cup-tied, Lorius (Karius) is continuing to train well but we wanted Martin for this competition tomorrow.”

United are continuing in their attempts to add to Howe’s squad before the window closes with a loan deal for a midfielder on the agenda. However, one deal closer to coming to fruition is a move for West Ham United full-back Harrison Ashby. The Scotland Under-21 international was targeted by the Magpies during the summer transfer window but it seems United have finally got their man after agreeing a fee believed to be worth aorund £3m with the Hammers on Sunday.

Ashby is set to undergo a medical ahead of Tuesday’s deadline and Howe assessed the current stance of the deal for the youngster, saying: “That’s (the Ashby deal) not off the table. Hopefully, something might happen there, but that’s still to be concluded.”