TEAM TALK REPORTED THIS TODAY:

Due to Financial Fair Play constraints, Newcastle have set aside a modest £20m-£25m for the summer window. Qualification for the Champions League will loosen the purse strings, though that’s a bridge that’s still to be crossed.

As such, Eddie Howe must boost his transfer budget through player sales and Saint-Maximin is on the chopping block as a result. The report adds they expect to recoup a ‘decent fee’ if an exit does materialise.

talkSPORT shed further light on the reasoning behind what would unquestionably be a surprise split. They state the January addition of Anthony Gordon has left Saint-Maximin ‘questioning his role’.

Gordon – a £45m (including add-ons) signing from Everton – has been a bit-part player for Howe thus far. However, £45m signings aren’t made to warm the bench and Gordon’s role in the team is likely to increase next season.