In an exclusive interview with The Transfer Tavern, former Newcastle United centre-back Steve Howey has claimed that Mario Lemina would not be liked by the fans if he cared more about his social media than the club.

Lemina, who posted a bizarre video on social media back in 2019 when seemingly trying to engineer a big move away from Southampton, has been linked with a move to Newcastle this summer despite failing to keep Fulham in the Premier League this season during his loan spell away from St Mary's.

The £40,000 per week midfielder, who regularly uses the hashtag #TonicLikeLeminade on his Instagram account, had been linked with a move to Manchester United back in 2019 but since then he has lost his place in the Southampton side and failed to impress at Fulham, with a 6.58 WhoScored rating.

Speaking on why Newcastle fans wouldn't like their club to sign Lemina and why the midfielder must be careful what he is like off the pitch, Howey exclusively told The Transfer Tavern:

"Even if he performs on the pitch then I still wouldn't want to see him doing a lot on social media because there are an awful lot of people that don't have a lot of money, and they won't want to see somebody on social media flashing their new house or car.

"I mean, obviously with Lemina, if he is like that and the Southampton fans are not happy with him then can you imagine what Newcastle fans would think of him?"

Steve Bruce has confirmed that he would love to bring Joe Willock back to the club this summer either permanently or on another loan deal after the 21-year old's impressive performances since January.

Newcastle are well stocked in Lemina's position as they have Jonjo Shelvey, Sean and Matty Longstaff, Isaac Hayden and Jeff Hendrick all on long term deals.