Allan Saint-Maximin signs bumper six-year Newcastle deal and becomes one of Toon’s top earners doubling £36k-a-week wage

ALLAN SAINT-MAXIMIN will become one of Newcastle’s highest earners after agreeing a bumper new six-year deal.

The French winger penned a contract on around £36,000-a-week after signing for £16.5milion from Nice last summer.

But Saint-Maximin, 23, is now set to stay until 2026 and will join top earners like Jonjo Shelvey and Joelinton on more than double his current packet.

After signing the long-term extension, Saint-Maximin said: "I've played for a lot of clubs - Monaco, Nice, in Germany, but Newcastle, I feel like it's my home. The supporters give me a lot of love, the coach too, and my partners on the pitch.

"Everybody gives me love and when you have this, I feel it's my home and I hope this stays my home for a long time.

"Every club I'd been before, the fans loved me - but not like the Newcastle fans."

Expectations were low when the trickster arrived on Tyneside - with former boss Patrick Vieira slamming his attitude.

And while Toon manager Steve Bruce said the ‘maverick’ can be a handful, he has lit up St James’ Park.

The boss added: "There are times when he is difficult, but he is worth it. He tests you to the limit but when he is right he is worth his weight in gold.

"He's had an introduction now to what life in the Premier League is like and with Allan, the world is at his feet. He can go as far as he wants to go, because he's got the talent to do it. The sky's the limit."

After a stellar debut season saw him become a Toon Army hero, Saint-Maximin stole the show last time out against Burnley with a stunning goal and assist.

In total, the Mags have won just one of the 15 games he has not started.

And Newcastle chiefs were surprised there was little interest this summer in their prized asset- with fans fearing his departure after the failed Saudi takeover.

But Bruce still has work to do to keep Saint-Maximin happy, with the flamboyant star making no secret of his desire to play in the Champions League.

Last week, he told sport.fr: “It is a big dream. If the club is developing well and it is in line with my desires, staying is a possibility.

“Afterwards, if things don't turn out like that, obviously the question of leaving will arise.”