Newcastle winger Allan Saint-Maximin has spoken openly about his lack of playing time in recent weeks amid English rivals Tottenham reportedly trying to sign him.

Saint-Maximin started the season brilliantly, registering two goals and one assist in his first four Premier League appearances. However, he then missed five league matches due to a hamstring problem.

Saint-Maximin returned in the 5-1 thrashing of Brentford on October 8, coming on for the final 12 minutes of the victory. However, he was once again ruled out with a muscle injury after that.

The Frenchman returned to action again in late October. But since then he has struggled to gain a starting spot, with manager Eddie Howe instead operating with Miguel Almiron and Joelinton as his wingers.

Saint-Maximin has generally proved himself to be one of Newcastle’s best players in recent years. But Almiron and Joelinton have been in brilliant form this campaign, so Howe’s decision to leave Saint-Maximin out of the starting eleven is understandable.

The player was given a start in the recent 1-1 draw with West Ham. And after the match, he gave an honest assessment of his current feelings about Newcastle.

Saint-Maximin did admit that clubs may be looking to sign him due to him spending so much time on the bench. This is where Spurs come in, as they have apparently been tapping him up ahead of a potential summer move.

However, Saint-Maximin also explained how he understands Howe’s decision-making and detailed his ‘very good relationship’ with his boss.

Newcastle man hints at ‘right opportunity’ for transfer

“I want to be honest because I’m not going to lie. When you are in the situation, a lot of teams can see that and think it’s the right opportunity to come and buy the player,” he said (via Goal). “But I’m very proud to be here, and the most important thing for me is to play.

“The manager’s choice makes sense because I got an injury. I didn’t lose any game when I was on the pitch (at the start of the season), and this is something very, very important for me. The coach knows that. That’s why I have a very good relationship with him, because he knows what I’m capable of.

“But when I came back from injury, the team was winning a lot of games, so they have a lot of credit to keep going.

“When the team did so well and especially when you love the players you cannot be like, okay when you play you are very nice guys and when you start to not play you just try to [make things difficult], I’m not like that.

Allan Saint-Maximin rooting for Newcastle success

“Even when I didn’t play, I pray for the team because finally we are together and if we manage to reach the Champions League we’re going to do it together and that’s the most important thing for all of us.”

At the beginning of that interview, it sounded like Saint-Maximin was going to suggest he wanted to move away from St James’ Park to become a first-team regular at another club.

However, the 25-year-old went on to speak about his love for Newcastle and his team-mates. It seems he is fully focused on helping the team to achieve Champions League qualification for next term, which will be music to the ears of the club’s supporters.

Meanwhile, David Moyes has hinted at how much Arsenal or Newcastle may have to spend to snare West Ham’s Declan Rice.

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