Eddie Howe responds to Allan Saint-Maximin’s cheeky Newcastle United transfer request

Eddie Howe has responded to Allan Saint-Maximin’s request for Newcastle United to sign close friend Marcus Thuram.

The Magpies have been linked with a move for the France international with his contract at Bundesliga outfit Borussia Monchengladbach set to expire in the summer.

It’s been reported that Thuram could be available in January at a £10million knockdown price. He’s expected to attract lots of interest having recently reached the World Cup final.

Saint-Maximin, who has been friends with the forward since their days in Boulogne-Billancourt, revealed after Tuesday’s 1-0 Carabao Cup win over Bournemouth his hopes of seeing Thuram at St James’ Park.

“He is a great player and I hope we have a chance to take him here,” Saint-Maximin told the Shields Gazette. “I was so happy for him [to play at the World Cup].”

Saint-Maximin’s cheeky request was put to Howe by NewcastleWorld ahead of the Boxing Day clash at Leicester City, and the Magpies head coach joked: “Well done, Maxi!”

Howe then played down a move for the former Guingamp forward: “He’s a top player. But yeah, no more than that. He’s one that I watched in the World Cup for sure but no more than that.”

When speaking to the media during United’s mid-season trip to Saudi Arabia, Saint-Maximin admitted to talking to Thuram about life at Newcastle.

“Yeah, I will be honest, I have chatted with him,” said the French winger. “For me, he’s a great player. I’ve known this guy a long time.

“I’ve been playing football with him when I was very young. I know all his family. He has great parents. He’s an incredible guy.”