EDDIE HOWE is adamant Allan Saint-Maximin will not be leaving Newcastle United ahead of tomorrow night’s transfer deadline.

Saint-Maximin’s future has been the subject of mounting speculation this month, with Italian side AC Milan having been heavily linked with a potential move for the Frenchman’s services.

With Anthony Gordon having completed a £45m move from Everton yesterday, and with Howe having stated that he primarily sees his side’s new signing as a “wide attacker”, Saint-Maximin faces increased competition for a place in the starting side.

The 25-year-old has not started a league game since August, but Howe is insistent that he will be remaining on Tyneside beyond tomorrow’s deadline.

When asked whether Saint-Maximin could be leaving, the Magpies head coach said: “Absolutely not. He’s here to stay – he’s an integral part of my team.”

Newcastle have signed Gordon and Garang Kuol since the transfer window opened at the start of the month, and are set to complete a third incoming deal after agreeing a deal with West Ham United for right-back Harrison Ashby.

The Magpies will pay around £3m for the 21-year-old, who is set to undergo a medical on Tyneside today.

Howe said: “That’s (the Ashby deal) not off the table. Hopefully, something might happen there, but that’s still to be concluded.”

Howe is hoping to recruit a short-term replacement for Jonjo Shelvey, who is heading to Nottingham Forest, but the Magpies boss admits the signing of Ashby could complete Newcastle’s incoming business for this month.

He said: “I think we didn’t plan to do anything else. Jonjo’s situation has come very late in the window, and it’s not been ideal for us.

“That wasn’t something we wanted to consider, but it’s enabling us now to see what’s out there. There’s no guarantee though, and if the window was to shut with Jonjo leaving (and nobody else coming in), I would be happy.”