Eddie Howe clears the air at Newcastle training ground following Allan Saint-Maximin's striker comments

Eddie Howe has spoken to Allan Saint-Maximin about his interview with the French media but insists he will not fine the player.

The former Nice winger indicated that he would have "15-20 assists" per season if there was a striker who could convert efficiently in the box. But Howe believes the remarks were taken "out of context" and that Saint-Maximin did not mean to offend.

A clear-up process was quickly put in place at the training ground as Howe spoke individually to Saint-Maximin to get an understanding about the interview while he will also discuss any potential "fall out" with team-mates, including strikers Callum Wilson. Chris Wood and Dwight Gayle, who may have been irked by the comments.

Howe said: "In no way did he mean to damage the team and the unity we’ve built - it wasn't in the context that he meant."

When asked if he would look to fine Saint-Maximin for the interview with So Foot, he said that the process will include "educating" the winger on media interviews.

Howe said: "Allan was concerned yesterday. It wasn’t in the context that he meant. We will be speaking with the squad and making sure there are no fallout. "