Newcastle's jealous rivals told 'get over it' after complaints over 'cheap' Saint-Maximin transfer

Allan Saint-Maximin has confirmed his imminent exit from Newcastle United after four years with the popular forward set to move to Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli

Newcastle United's top-flight rivals and the so-called 'Big Six' have been told to 'get over it' amid reported complaints over the upcoming sale of Allan Saint-Maximin. That is the view of Liverpool fan and Peterborough United chairman Darragh MacAnthony, who believes the reported £23 million transfer is actually 'ridiculously cheap'.

Saint-Maximin has confirmed his imminent exit after four years at St James' Park with a goodbye post on social media on Saturday morning. Newcastle's popular number 10 will become the latest export to the Saudi Pro League, joining Roberto Firmino and Riyad Mahrez at Al-Ahli.

The former Nice star was the Magpies' star player in his first two seasons in black-and-white, but saw his influence wane following the takeover and appointment of Eddie Howe. Injuries and the team's form in his absence limited Saint-Maximin's playing time last season, with the 26-year-old registering one goal and five assists in all competitions.

Reports emerged last week that several Premier League club were set to raise 'concerns' over the transfer, with both clubs under the majority ownership of Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund. Regulations dictate that any transaction over the value of £1m must be assessed in order to ensure it does not exceed 'market value'.

READ MORE: Allan Saint-Maximin shares emotional Newcastle United goodbye ahead of Saudi Pro League transfer

However, MacAnthony feels that any such concerns are actually borne out of jealousy rather than legitimate questions over an inflated fee. Saint-Maximin started and scored in the opening pre-season win over Gateshead FC, but has been left out of the last four squads and did not join the USA tour with negotiations over an exit ongoing.

MacAnthony told talkSPORT: "That deal is ridiculously cheap, I thought he would be worth more. I would have thought he would have been worth £25-30m, so I'm not sure that criticism bears fruit.

"I don't know what's going on with all the jealousy in the Premier League or the top six, whatever it is. Get over it everybody, Newcastle are now a wealthy club, they're now in the top four, they're here to stay.

"I'm a Liverpool fan, I understand we now have to up our game if we are to compete with them like we did when City came on the scene."