McAvennie says ‘unpredictable’ Saint-Maximin could stay ‘unless mega-bid comes’

Allan Saint-Maximin has featured in three of Newcastle United’s last four games after recovering from a calf injury but hasn’t started for a month-and-a-half as he’s building up his fitness again.

The 25-year-old hasn’t scored in the Premier League since mid-January and hasn’t made an assist since September, but he’s still an important player at the heart of everything good for Newcastle.

Frank McAvennie believes the Magpies miss Saint-Maximin when he’s not starting games, as his ‘unpredictability’ can win games. The 62-year-old also said the Frenchman is a ‘great player’ who could stay at St James’ Park ‘unless a mega-bid’ turns his head and believes Newcastle will be desperate to keep him.

He told Football Insider: “Saint-Maximin is such a great player. I think it’s hurt Newcastle, him not being available. Saint-Maximin just has that unpredictability. He’s one who will be there for a while unless a mega-bid comes in for him. Newcastle could even turn that down because of the money they have now.”

It remains to be seen whether Eddie Howe will bring the 25-year-old back in the starting lineup, but it’s surely an option he’s considering. Newcastle had won three consecutive Premier League outings, scoring two goals in each game, but they’ve since lost 1-0 to Chelsea and 1-0 to Everton, so they‘re back to firing blanks.

Saint-Maximin is overdue himself, but he’s the second-highest scorer with the joint-most assists so nobody is outperforming him. Newcastle can’t afford to lose him, so they may reject any offers that come their way.

In other news, Frank McAvennie’s claim about Newcastle is a blow for Matt Targett and Chris Wood