Transfer insider Dean Jones has made a surprising claim regarding the future of Newcastle United winger Allan Saint-Maximin...

What's the word?

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, the respected source has suggested that the Frenchman is now surplus to requirements at St James' Park, with his future potentially set lie away from the club: “He’s not going to be Newcastle’s star man anymore. I think he’s going to be looking for a new club. I don’t think he’ll deliver every week; I think that’s why Newcastle are ready to move on beyond him.”

That claim comes following a report from 90min that suggested the Magpies were willing to cash in on the mercurial 25-year-old, with a fee of around £50m seemingly the required asking price.

Relegation strugglers Everton have previously been credited with an interest in the £93k-per-week gem, while Wolverhampton Wanderers are another side said to be in the running for his signature.

Gutting for supporters

That news will likely come as a hammer blow to the club's faithful, with the former Nice man having developed something of a cult status since his £16.5m arrival from the Ligue 1 outfit back in August 2019.

A popular figure on social media, the former France U21 international has also dazzled on the pitch, registering 27 goal contributions in 90 games in all competitions since his move to England.

Dubbed a "jewel" by footballing icon David Ginola, the fleet-footed speedster has so often dazzled on the Premier League stage, toying with defenders with his unquestionable skill and trickery and so often making a mockery of those who try to stop him.

As Jones alluded, there are question marks over his ability to produce the goods on a regular basis, with journalist Liam Kennedy suggesting that the at times "unplayable" wideman is not at an elite club because of his lack of "consistency".

The £28.8m-rated winger has often been tarnished with that brush in his Newcastle career, although this season has seen him chip in with nine goals and assists in the league in total, while he also ranks in the top 1% for dribbles completed and the top 14% for progressive carries per 90 among players in his position across Europe's top five leagues.

For many, following the PIF takeover last year, he appeared to be one of the players that the new owners could build a side around, yet now he looks to be one of the most significant early casualties of their tenure.

Even if his output isn't always consistent, supporters will no doubt question the wisdom in axing a player who is simply an undisputed, crowd-pleaser.

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