Newcastle United respond to Manchester United’s surprise interest in Allan Saint-Maximin

Newcastle United have no intention of selling Allan Saint-Maximin this summer amid fresh links to Manchester United.

The Frenchman’s stellar performance against Premier League champions Manchester City on Sunday - where he claimed two assists - has reportedly recaught the eye of the Red Devils.

The report comes from French publication Media Foot, however Howe placed Saint-Maximin in the same bracket as Bruno Guimaraes, who was linked with Real Madrid last week, by insisting he’s going nowhere.

Allan Saint-Maximin not for sale

“Very similar answer to the one I gave about Bruno (Guimaraes),” Howe told reporters ahead of Tuesday’s Carabao Cup clash with Tranmere Rovers.

“We’re trying to build a squad, we’re trying to add competition for places. Certainly, we don’t want to weaken our team.”

Howe was asked about Guimaraes’ future before the 3-3 draw with Man City after it was suggested he was Madrid’s number one target to replace Casimero.

Howe said: “Regarding speculation, I’ve got no problem with that as such. It’s a compliment to Bruno and how well he’s done for us.

“He’s been incredible and he’s only going to get better from this point. He is a very valuable member of our team.

“Every footballer has different aims and ambitions, and I’m sure Bruno has huge ambitions going forward in his career and I would embrace that because he has the ability to achieve special things.

“But I think we’ve got to try and give him an opportunity and platform to fulfill those dreams here. That’s going to be important for us.”