The future of football is in jeopardy across the globe in the wake of the Coronavirus outbreak, but the clubs are already working behind the scenes to bolster themselves once the season concludes. Newcastle United, under Steven Bruce, are aiming for a mid-table finish amid takeover talks being approved subject to Premier League approval. However, they are struggling to keep hold of their academy sensation Matty Longstaff whose contract is set to expire this summer (as reported by The Athletic).
Big Blow For Newcastle United?
The 20-year-old is yet to extend his stay at Tyneside despite months of negotiations and the Magpies, as per the latest rumours, are lining up alternatives who are more experienced and well-known figures in the Premier League circuit.
Sean and Matty, the Longstaff brothers, exhibited glimpses of excellence in the middle of the pitch. Still, Newcastle’s interest in Adam Lallana (as claimed by The Athletic) and John McGinn (according to Daily Star) showcase their ambition and desire to improve in spite of a lot of criticism received in the recent years.
The winter arrival of Nabil Bentaleb (on loan from Schalke) restricted Matty’s senior minutes. The club, reportedly keen on tying the Algerian down permanently for a price in the region of £8.5m, might eventually lose their youth prodigy after failing to ensure him a starting role.
Why The Duo Would Improve Their Midfield Game
Meanwhile, a host of clubs are after Adam Lallana both in England as well as abroad, and Newcastle, too, are in the hunt for the Liverpool veteran who will be available on a Bosman transfer. The Englishman, 32 this summer, has been utilised sporadically of late following a series of injury problems. However, a move elsewhere might see him securing the first-team status for his on-field excellence, trickery, ability to press and instigate attacking threats.
John McGinn, on the other hand, was brought in by Bruce during his tenure at Aston Villa. Not only did the Scotsman play a pivotal role in Villa’s top-flight return but also maintained his midfield mastery this term while Aston Villa battle for survival. The Magpies are tipped to offer a fee of around £30m to bring him at St James’ Park and the Claret and Blue, if relegated, might struggle to keep hold of him for one more year.
Newcastle currently have Jonjo Shelvey and Isaac Hayden as the other central midfield options. But a few significant changes might take place soon which should excite the Toon Army irrespective of the younger Longstaff’s future at his boyhood club.
