Newcastle ace tipped to 'thrive' at Aston Villa amid £50m links

Former Aston Villa defender Alan Hutton has tipped Allan Saint-Maximin to "thrive" at Villa Park if he does pursue a move away from Newcastle United this summer.

Saint-Maximin, 25, has recently been linked with a move away from the Magpies, with the club reportedly seeking a fee in the region of £50million if they are to part ways with the forward. Despite Villa being one of the clubs linked with a potential move for the Frenchman, Eddie Howe has been quick to address the rumours.

"I’ve got a great relationship with Maxi," said Howe. "I’ve really enjoyed working with him. And, for me, we need, if we look between now and the end of the season, Maxi at his very best levels.

"He could potentially be the difference between us staying in the league. He’s an incredible talent, and, yes, of course he has a long-term future at the club.”

Speaking to bettingexpert, Villa old boy Hutton commented on a potential move to Birmingham for Saint-Maximin. He said: "I think he’s (Allan Saint-Maximin) one of those players that excites fans, lifts people off their seats, they enjoy watching him."

"So of course, I mean, you would love to see him at Villa Park, I think he would thrive there. He’s definitely got the ability, so that would also be an excellent guy to bring in your squad - but I can’t see Newcastle letting someone with that quality leave.

“I can’t believe for one minute that Newcastle will let him leave, if I’m totally honest.”