Eddie Howe has confirmed that Allan Saint-Maximin is in talks to leave Newcastle United this summer.
The 26-year-old was left out of Newcastle’s 2-1 victory over Rangers in their pre-season fixture on Tuesday and is set to miss the club’s pre-season tour of the United States.
RMC Sport claim that Newcastle have agreed an initial €25 million (£21.5m) fee with Al-Ahli, who have already signed Edouard Mendy from Chelsea this summer.
The Saudi Pro League side are now in direct talks with Saint-Maximin’s representatives over a contract and the winger has reportedly been offered a deal worth in excess of £200,000 a week.
‘Allan is in discussions regarding a move to another club,’ Howe said.
‘Nothing is confirmed, nothing is done. But that’s why he wasn’t here today.
‘With Financial Fair Play you have to trade, for us we were stuck in a position where we could not trade players the other way.
‘That’s how FFP works. We understand that. Maxi is a top player and we definitely don’t want to lose him we want to strengthen the group. Sometimes these things happen and we have to accept that.
‘It’s early to speak of Maxi in the past tense. Certainly our respect for him is the same as the supporters, so if we do lose him it will be a difficult moment for us.’
When asked if Saint-Maximin will travel with the squad to the United States, Howe said: ‘There are no plans for him to join us tomorrow but we will wait and see.
‘There’s a time where he could end up with us again. If that is the case we’d love to welcome him back.’
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