Allan Saint-Maximin responds to Newcastle United exit talk - and makes his feelings clear

Allan Saint-Maximin insists he wants to stay at Newcastle United for a “long time” amid reports he could leave this summer.

There has been plenty of speculation surrounding the Frenchman’s future in recent months after a calf injury and illness led to a dip in form.

Eddie Howe has stuck by the 25-year-old however, starting him in the previous two games. He also moved to rubbish reports that the Magpies were open to selling the player for £50million last week.

Saint-Maximin too has admitted to wanting a long-term future at St James’ Park having joined United in August 2019 for French club Nice for £16.5million.

‘I want to stay here for a long time’

In an interview with Soccer AM, the winger cited his special relationship with the Newcastle fans, where he recently gifted a supporter an expensive watch, and his relationship with as reasons for wanting to stay.

“The Newcastle fans are really important for me with the love they give,” Saint-Maximin said. “I’m so proud to be at this club and to be here.

“I want to give back to Newcastle, to the fans and to the people who really like me here.

“I want to stay here for a long time. It is a nice way for me to give back to the fans.

“We have a great manager and great owner. We all want the same things, the best things for Newcastle and we want to stay in the league.

“We just need to keep going and if we keep winning games we know we’re going to be safe for sure.”

‘I am learning to love this manager’

Saint-Maximin spoke of his admiration for former boss Steve Bruce but revealed his relationship with Howe is growing stronger.

He said: “Steve Bruce will always stay in my heart because he was a manager I really, really love. Eddie Howe has found a way to help me and to be close to me.

“A relationship is always like that. Trust takes time, but I am starting to learn to love this manager, the philosophy of his.

“We spend a lot of time together and he is close with every single player. I think this is really important and makes a big, big change.”