Journalist Liam Kennedy has claimed Newcastle United winger Allan Saint-Maximin may not be happy enough to remain at the club without regular starts.

What's the word?

After he was left out of the Magpies' 2-1 FA Cup loss to Sheffield Wednesday on the weekend, there were some concerns amongst certain sections of the fanbase that perhaps the player could have fallen out with manager Eddie Howe.

However, fears of a possible consequential transfer exit, have since been eased as the club made clear there was no great issue at hand and Saint-Maximin only missed the game due to an illness.

On top of that, the player also weighed in on the rumours, taking to Instagram to quell the doubts. Indeed, he said: “Always behind you guys, I will be back very soon. ”

And while Kennedy suggested that everything is probably fine for the short term, there could still be issues long term as the player struggles for regular minutes at Newcastle.

Speaking on NUFC Matters, he said: "I think Saint-Maximin has probably proven in his Instagram posts that things are okay.

"That doesn't mean everything is going swimmingly with regards Allan Saint-Maximin and the football club. I think his lack of selection in key games probably proves that.

“But I do think there's a future for him. Whether he's willing to accept that future, I'm not sure. That's the other question about this."

Kennedy did conclude, however: "He said unequivocally to me that this is his home. 'I've never felt the way I feel about a football club as to what I feel now'.”

Exit on the cards?

As much as it's clear Saint-Maximin seems to be fond of the club, he may soon lose patience with the bit-part role offered to him this season by Eddie Howe.

After all, he has started just four Premier League games this term and in all competitions has tallied up just 537 minutes of playing time – although this is partly due to injury issues picked up throughout the campaign.

Regardless, he is not likely to start many games as things stand and so he may need to seek pastures new if he wants to keep his career from potentially stagnating.

Interestingly enough, former Arsenal man Emmanuel Petit told reporters Mikel Arteta should try and sign the French winger January transfer window (via the Express). But no concrete rumours have come up at this stage.