Allan Saint-Maximin issues strong 12-word message amid Newcastle United exit talk

Newcastle United winger Allan Saint-Maximin has posted a strongly worded message amid speculation he could be sold this summer.

Speculation is once again surrounding the Frenchman’s future on the back of a frustrating campaign at St James’ Park that was restricted by hamstring injuries.

Saint-Maximin started just 12 Premier League games last term and hasn’t scored a competitive goal since scoring a late equaliser at Wolverhampton Wanderers last August.

The Daily Telegraph reported on Tuesday that the 26-year-old could be offloaded in order to help fund a bid for Leicester City star Harvey Barnes as United battle against Financial Fair Play restrictions.

With that in mind, Saint-Maximin’s latest social post is interesting timing. Taking to Instagram, Saint-Maximin said “people can keep talking when they know nothing. I just keep working.”

Saint-Maximin returned to pre-season training at Newcastle on Sunday morning and declared himself “so happy” to be back.

The player himself, however, has left fans regularly second-guessing over where his future lies following a summer of cryptic messages.

Speaking after the 1-1 draw at Chelsea on the final day of last season, Magpies head coach Eddie Howe was asked about Saint-Maximin’s future to which he put the onus back on the winger.

“[His future] will be dictated by Maxi himself,” Howe said. “He has so much ability, and he’s such an important player for us when he’s at his very best, fitness-wise. He’s unique, there’s no one like him in the Premier League.”

Saint-Maximin, as per the Daily Telegraph, is understood to be attracting interest from Saudi Arabia and some clubs in Europe. In January, the former France youth international was linked with Serie A giants AC Milan.