According to the reports from the Telegraph, Steve Bruce is concerned about his club’s failure to tie down Matthew Longstaff on a new contract. The 19-year-old is in the final few months of his deal with the club which is set to expire in the summer. Italian giants like AC Milan and Inter Milan were linked (The Times) with Longstaff in January.
Longstaff caught the attention of everyone when he scored the winner on his debut against Manchester United. The midfielder hasn’t managed to establish himself in the first team for the Magpies, but he has shown positive signs so far. The Englishman has started six games in the Premier League this season.
Many might have expected the contract negotiations to be straight forward as the midfielder has come up from club’s academy and he is known to be a boyhood Newcastle fan. But it seems like the youngster is not to keen to extend his stay at St. James’ Park.
Club legend Alan Shearer recently gave his verdict on Longstaff’s contract situation, and he believed that the Toon should do everything in their means to keep the 19-year-old.
Shearer gives his verdict on Longstaff
Shearer said (The Chronicle), ”He’s shown enough in that short time to show that Newcastle should really do everything they can, especially with him being a local lad – we know how much that means to the fans – to keep hold of him. Contracts are always going to be difficult; we know what agents can be like, but I really, really hope Newcastle can sign him up.”
Longstaff has impressed with his impressive work rate and commitment. He is seen more as a defensive-minded midfielder, but the English youngster also showed his on the ball capabilities this season as he can pick out a pass from deep. Longstaff can also pop in with crucial goals when required.
A worrying sign for the club
There is no doubt to us that he can be a regular for the club in the future. We agree with Shearer that Bruce and the club’s decision-makers should do everything in their means to keep the midfielder. A player like Longstaff also has a sense of connection with the fans.
Seeing him leave the club in the summer after a breakthrough season wouldn’t go down well with any of the club faithful especially when it is known that he is a boyhood fan. With the manager also being reported to be concerned, it seems like Longstaff’s future hangs in the balance, and it can go either way.
