Noel Whelan says it ‘doesn’t make sense’ selling Saint-Maximin

Allan Saint-Maximin has been linked with a move away from Newcastle United, with Aston Villa interested in procuring his signature, but Noel Whelan says it ‘doesn’t make sense’ selling him as he’s ‘invaluable’ to the team.

The 25-year-old has been a regular under Eddie Howe this season and is always one of Newcastle’s most dangerous players in games, but there’s talk of an exit as Howe is expected to turnover a lot of the squad this summer.

Saint-Maximin has made 30 appearances in all competitions this campaign, scoring five goals with three assists. He hasn’t found the back of the net since January and hasn’t created a goal for a teammate since September, so questions may be asked if Newcastle could find an upgrade in the transfer market.

Whelan acknowledges how Saint-Maximin is a fan favourite and a better player than most in the squad, so there are plenty others who should be offloaded by Newcastle before him.

Whelan not only believes Newcastle should resist offers for the uncapped Frenchman, they should build the team around him next season, telling Football Insider: “I think he’s invaluable to their team and their rebuild.

“I think they build the team around Saint-Maximin. The fans love to watch him. “He’s one player in that team that gets you off your seat. Saint-Maximin is another key part of their jigsaw where they don’t need to go and spend if they’ve got him on a long-term contract.

“He’s going to give you at least 15 to 20 points just by that bit of brilliance he has next season. He has done this season. To me, it doesn’t make sense selling Saint-Maximin when you’re looking to be a mid-table, top-ten, team next season. He will be a massive part of that.”

Saint-Maximin joined Newcastle from OGC Nice in 2019 and