Newcastle winger Allan Saint-Maximin is in negotiations with an undisclosed club, according to Eddie Howe, who recognised the “impact” of Financial Fair Play on the Magpies.
The Frenchman has been linked with a transfer to Saudi Arabia after joining Newcastle from Nice in August 2019.
Saint-Maximin, 26, was absent from Newcastle’s 2-1 friendly victory against Rangers, and Howe stated that he had “no issue” with the player.
“He’s in early discussions over a potential move away. That’s why he wasn’t here,” Howe said.
“It’s doubtful he’ll join us on the tour of America. I don’t think Maxi necessarily wants to leave, but he may feel it’s the right time for him to move.”
Manager Howe added after the game on Tuesday: “It’s difficult for me to speak for him, but he hasn’t asked to leave. There’s been no issue between him and any of us coaches. We all love him.
“If he does leave, we’d lose him with a very heavy heart. He’s someone we love working with, he’s a difference-maker, we’ve really had a strong working relationship, and it’ll be sad if he leaves.”
Newcastle sports director Dan Ashworth stated last year that the club, which is owned by wealthy Saudis, must be willing to trade players in order to meet spending limits.
This summer, Howe was able to bring in Italy midfielder Sandro Tonali from AC Milan for a reported £55 million, but the club’s need to comply with FFP will limit additional signings unless the club sells first.
“Maxi is the player that’s generating the interest,” said Howe. “FFP is a new dynamic which really came to the fore after my first window here when we knew it would impact us.
“Player trading is a key part of it – you can’t hit it, if you don’t trade. We’re forced to trade a player this window.
“If the deal didn’t go through, I’d be delighted. It would obviously impact our ability to bring any more players in, and then we potentially might have to sell another player. That’s the way that Financial Fair Play has hit us.”
Source: BBC
