‘Endless stupidity’ - Newcastle United fans in agreement about Rio Ferdinand’s Allan Saint-Maximin prediction

While Rio Ferdinand thinks Wilfried Zaha is the perfect problem for Newcastle United, fans are far from in agreement.

The Magpies take on Zaha’s Crystal Palace this evening looking to secure their place in round four of the Carabao Cup.

And ahead of that encounter England and Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand, often derided as a joke figure among the fanbase due to his Mike Ashley comments in the past, has revealed that he believes Newcastle should be Zaha’s next destination, with the player out of contract in the summer. And Ferdinand has even suggested the Magpies should look to sell winger Allan Saint-Maximin to make the move happen.

Speaking on his Vibe With Five YouTube channel, the former England defender said: “If I am Newcastle, I would buy him (Zaha) straight off. I would take him, and I would sell Saint-Maximin. Or I would have them both. He scores more than Saint-Maximin. Keep Saint-Maximin or whatever, but Wilfried Zaha at Newcastle is a problem.”

The comments, though, have not gone down well among fans...

What Newcastle fans have been saying about Rio’s suggestion

David Connolly

"More pathetic attention seeking, nothing more."

Andy Skillen

"Whatever that fella says just do the complete opposite…. He hates us and would love to see us weaken our team… bet if you asked who should buy him he would say Man United… wonder why."

Tracey Wright

"Shut up Rio."

Les Teasdale

"I think it’s time Rio boiled his heed."

Keith Spoors

"He just says stupid things so he gets talked about ,him and his brother are void of anything sensible, not remotely interested in what they say."

John Downie

"What a joke he is!"

John Hodgson

"Endless stupidity."

What Zaha has said about his Palace future

Speaking recently about the speculation surrounding his future, Zaha told Sky Sports recently: “I’m happy obviously, I just wanted to kick on from last season so yeah I’m happy. I’m amongst the goals, so I’m enjoying my football. How many times have I seen my name next to transfer stuff? Me, I never speak on these things.

“My contract is up when my contract is up - I’m a Crystal Palace player. The only thing I’m focused on is doing well for the club. That’s it. I take every day as it comes because I don’t know what’s going to happen in the future. So I can’t sit here and say: ‘this is my plan for this’. No, I’m only fixated on what I’m doing tomorrow in training and then what I’m doing Sunday. So yeah I’m very devoted to Palace and that’s all I’m thinking about.”