Presenter Chris Hamill believes that if Newcastle United could sell Allan Saint-Maximin and sign James Maddison, it would be 'tremendous business'.

The Lowdown: Saint-Maximin's future unclear

Saint-Maximin was certainly missed on Saturday night as Newcastle crashed out of the FA Cup, with the French winger not well enough to play, although Eddie Howe admitted he would have indeed started if that hadn't been the case.

The winger was tipped with a move over the summer, with Tottenham Hotspur said to be admirers of the Frenchman, but with just four league starts under his belt this season, this month could be another one where he's linked away.

Meanwhile, Newcastle have long been linked with a move for Maddison having lodged two bids over the summer, and the sale of Saint-Maximin could help the Magpies fund a blockbuster move for the England international.

The Latest: Maddison deal could be funded by Saint-Maximin sale

Hamill has been speaking on the Football Daily YouTube channel about how getting rid of Saint-Maximin to bring Maddison in could prove to be a solid decision if PIF can find a suitor for the Toon winger.

He said: "I don't think Saint-Maximin's going to be happy to sit on the bench, and he's one of those players that I think you could probably get £30m for from an Everton, or someone who's desperate for a bit of ball progression in their side.

"If you could fund the move for James Maddison by selling Saint-Maximin, even at half or three-quarters [of that], I think that's tremendous business."

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The Verdict: Could be time for an attacking change

Prior to PIF buying Newcastle and Eddie Howe taking charge on Tyneside, the Magpies were so reliant on Saint-Maximin and the team usually struggled if he failed to perform, as former player Ryan Taylor previously alluded to when Steve Bruce was still in charge.

However, Howe has now sparked life into players such as Miguel Almiron and Joelinton, while also bringing in players such as Bruno Guimaraes and Kieran Trippier, which has seen Saint-Maximin's influence dwindle in recent times.

Therefore, if Saint-Maximin is not going to be happy with cameo roles for the foreseeable future, it could be best to cash in on the winger when an appropriate offer arrives, as it would allow Howe to bring in someone who he believes will fit the system - and Maddison appears to be someone who could fit that mould, as two bids wouldn't have been lodged last summer, otherwise.