Newcastle United head coach Eddie Howe will have a big decision to make over Allan Saint-Maximin's St James' Park future in the summer and may look to cash-in on the fans' favourite 'if the right offer came in', according to Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie.

Howe was appointed as the Magpies' boss last November and, ahead of his first full campaign at the helm, could make changes to the squad during the upcoming transfer window.

What's the latest news involving Saint-Maximin?

Saint-Maximin has seemingly left the door open for a potential move away from Newcastle by admitting he will decide 'what is the best for my future' at the end of the season.

There have been question marks over where the Frenchman will be plying his trade next term since The Mail on Sunday revealed his current employers are open to sanctioning his departure if a bid in the region of £50million is lodged.

The report suggests Aston Villa are monitoring the situation and mulling over whether to head to the negotiating table for Saint-Maximin, who cost Newcastle £16.5million when he joined from Nice in 2019.

Wolverhampton Wanderers and Everton are also understood to be interested, although the latter will only entertain making a move if they manage to stave off relegation to the Championship.

Saint-Maximin's exit has reportedly become a possibility due to Newcastle wanting to generate funds in order to stay ahead of spending regulations.

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What has Keith Downie said about Saint-Maximin?

Downie believes Newcastle are willing to sell Saint-Maximin, who currently earns £65,000-per-week, as long as their financial expectations are met by one of his suitors.

Although the 25-year-old is a favourite among the Magpies fans, the Sky Sports reporter feels Saint-Maximin has underperformed in the final third of the pitch.

Downie told GIVEMESPORT: "If the right offer came in for Allan Saint-Maximin, I think Eddie Howe would have a decision to make.

"Yes, he's done terrifically well under Steve Bruce. Yes, he can come up with moments of magic. But I think, when you look at the end output in terms of numbers of goals and assists, it maybe doesn't add up to what the promise is."

Would Saint-Maximin's departure come as a blow?

Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville described Saint-Maximin as 'breathtaking' earlier this season and there is no doubt that the wide-man is capable of exciting the Newcastle faithful.

However, the Magpies man's numbers are not as impressive as some would expect, with him chipping in with just 12 goals in more than 90 appearances.

Newcastle are the richest club in world football, thanks to the Saudi Arabia-based Public Investment Fund completing a £305million takeover last October, so Howe would be confident of being able to welcome an upgrade to Tyneside.