Newcastle midfielder Matty Longstaff is out of contract this summer (Getty Images)
According to Daily Star, Newcastle boss Steve Bruce is seeking to tie down Matty Longstaff with a new deal before his contract expires this summer.
The Magpies boss has admitted that local lad Longstaff’s future is a matter of concern and the club will make use of the enforced break to secure his future. Longstaff has grabbed the attention of rival clubs after putting up a decent show in his first season in the Premier League this season.
The 19-year-old can talk to other clubs and will be allowed to leave in case his current side does not come up with a suitable offer. However, Newcastle boss Steve Bruce is hopeful that it would not be the case and that a new deal can be worked out in the coming days.
Despite making just seven appearances this season, the teenage talent has raised a few eyebrows after delivering some noteworthy performances whenever given a chance. And having observed him from close quarters, Bruce knows better to not let go of the young Englishman, who could prove to be a future star for the Magpies.
Overall, he has made 12 appearances for the senior side, scoring three times, and this provides an insight into the talent that he is. Matty broke onto the big scene after scoring a winner – his first goal for the senior side against Manchester United in June last year.
He once again took the centre stage by repeating the feat against the same team in December. Unfortunately, he was on the losing side as he scored his side’s only goal in their 4-1 away defeat at Old Trafford.
However, that did not stop him from enjoying the limelight as he received much praise for his noteworthy performance. The teenager has not been in the thick of things recently as his game time has got increasingly limited due to the presence of more established and older players within the side.
Bruce, who would be clearly aware of this, would know that this alone cannot discredit his contributions to the current unit. Meanwhile, Bruce has successfully managed to steer the club out of relegation despite being tagged as potential candidates to drop into the lower division.
They are currently 13th in the league and eight points clear of relegation. With the team almost sure to play in the top-flight next season, Bruce has to have Longstaff as a part of the club’s long-term future. Hence, he should try his best to retain the midfielder as he has all the talent to take the team in the right direction in the coming days.
Having made his breakthrough this season, the young Longstaff deserves more than what the club has offered him so far. Moreover, being an academy graduate and having plenty of time on his part, Newcastle should nurture him rather than let go of him.
Having said that, Bruce and co. should, by all means, secure a new deal that would keep the youngster in the side for the coming season.
