Allan Saint-Maximin is ‘jewel in Newcastle’s crown’ as ex-Toon star David Ginola begs them to keep hold of him

NEWCASTLE have to try and keep their star playmaker Allan Saint-Maximin in the summer, according to former Magpies winger David Ginola. The 25-year-old has been linked with a move away from St James’ Park after starting just one of his side’s last six Premier League games. That start did come away at Tottenham on Sunday, […]

NEWCASTLE have to try and keep their star playmaker Allan Saint-Maximin in the summer, according to former Magpies winger David Ginola.

The 25-year-old has been linked with a move away from St James’ Park after starting just one of his side’s last six Premier League games.

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Ginola (right) called for Newcastle to keep hold of Saint-Maximin[/caption]

That start did come away at Tottenham on Sunday, with Saint-Maximin struggling to make an impact as Eddie Howe’s team were thrashed 5-1 by Spurs.

Yet despite a difficult period, Ginola feels it is imperative the Toon keep hold of him at the end of the season.

Speaking on Sky Sports, he said: “I don’t know if they want to sell him or I don’t know whether he wants to go and find something new, maybe a new challenge.

“But what is interesting is that Newcastle is a new project with their new investments. They have to keep hold of their assets.

“It’s important for them to keep hold of them. He is the jewel in Newcastle’s crown.

“He has brought some excitement to the team however no enough to change a game.”

Saint-Maximin has scored 12 goals and provided 14 assists in 85 appearances for Newcastle.

But he is being linked with a £50million move in the summer as Howe prepares for a mass exodus.

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Aston Villa are one of the clubs monitoring his situation, with Steven Gerrard looking to add to his squad as he targets European football.

The Magpies have a long wishlist of players that they plan to target in the summer including Philippe Coutinho, who is currently on loan at Villa.

They are also looking to compete with Arsenal for the signature of Benfica star Darwin Nunez.

They are keen to boost their defensive options as well, and are set to make another bid for Lille defender Sven Botman after a £27m offer was rejected in January.