Allan Saint-Maximin has returned to Newcastle United.

The Daily Mail says Saint-Maximin is back on Tyneside as he continues to recover from the effects of Covid-19.

The 23-year-old returned to France before Christmas after manager Steve Bruce revealed he was suffering from 'long-term Covid' and did not know when he would be able to play.

But we understand Saint-Maximin is now back in the North-East and will be monitored by the club's medical staff.

He last appeared on November 21 and will need to train properly before it is decided when he is ready to return to the first-team squad, although he is likely to be missing for at least another two weeks.