Allan Saint-Maximin makes new transfer admission during Sky Sports interview

Allan Saint-Maximin has revealed that he had the chance to join another club in January, but the club rejected the offer and opted to keep the Frenchman at St James’ Park.

Speaking to Sky Sports’ Keith Downie, the winger insists that Eddie Howe and everyone at the club were determined to keep him, believing he remains ‘important’ part of the team despite his struggle for fitness and form this season.

No names are mentioned, but AC Milan were heavily linked with a move for ASM over the final few days of the January window, with reports in Italy backing the Serie A giants to launch a bid for the 26-year-old.

In the interview – due to air on Soccer Saturday this lunchtime – he admits that he will regrettably leave the day he no longer feels wanted on Tyneside. However, he’s determined to play Champions League football at Newcastle and ‘really wants’ his future to be at St James’ Park.

Here’s what he had to say when speaking to Downie from the club’s training ground:

“I had the opportunity to go to another club in January — but the club said they want me to stay and that I’m important.

“When you feel that the club, the manager and every single person in Newcastle wants you then of course you want to stay.

“But the day I don’t have that feeling for sure I will have no other choice but to go to the place that really wants me. But I don’t think about that now. I’m really focused on my goal — which is helping Newcastle try and reach the Champions League.

“After that I will think about what is best for me and I will have a chat with the club and the manager about what they want — and I will have to make a decision for sure. But I really want to see myself and my future here in Newcastle.

“I haven’t played as much this season because the team was doing so well when I was injured, but I’m happy to fight for my place. I’m more mature now than when I joined the club 3-and-half years ago and I’m ready for everything.”