Allan Saint-Maximin has made 35 appearances in all competitions for Newcastle this season, scoring five goals with four assists – second in the squad for goals and first for assists.

He’s created more chances (48) than any other player, has whipped in more crosses (57) and boasts more successful dribbles (144) in 33 Premier League games, so Saint-Maximin is an important player to Eddie Howe.

But after being accused of criticising his teammates in an interview with So Foot, Gabriel Agbonlahor believes the Frenchman could be sold this summer. He told Football Insider: “I don’t think the manager wants him.

“He looks like a very frustrating player. Sometimes when I watch him it’s like he’s playing one-man Wembley where he wants to take the whole team on by himself.

“Howe will want team players who want to work for the team. Saint-Maximin can slow it down when there are strikers making runs in the box. With Newcastle’s unlimited funds, they might look to sell Saint-Maximin, get a decent fee in and use it to build a team.”

Despite the alleged comments to So Foot and fair criticism about Saint-Maximin’s propensity to hold onto the ball for too long, it’s hard to see Newcastle selling him this summer.

Howe needs to strengthen every weak area of the squad before worrying about which talented first-team players need upgrading. And the fact Saint-Maximin is Newcastle’s most creative player will mean he’ll survive the cull.

Until the Magpies are in a position to replace him, and until a lucrative offer comes their way from a suitor, he stays. He’s far too useful to get rid of.

In other news, Eddie Howe could drop Callum Wilson next season due to injuries