According to The Times, Newcastle have started talks with Sean Longstaff over a contract extension, which is sure to upset Steve Bruce.
What’s the story?
Well, it was Calciomercato who revealed that Bruce was hoping to bring the 24-year-old to West Brom on a free transfer this summer, when his contract expired.
However, Newcastle have now started negotiations with Longstaff in an attempt to extend his £23,000-a-week deal.
Should they be successful, it will thwart Bruce’s transfer plans.
The Times believe Eddie Howe and senior figures at St James’ Park are desperate for Longstaff to stay on Tyneside.
It is also said that Everton are expressing an interest in signing the Newcastle-born maestro on a free transfer this summer.
Longstaff – who has been with the Magpies since he was nine – has made 19 appearances in all competitions this season, scoring one goal.
Newcastle must keep Sean Longstaff
Presumably, Newcastle are going to spend millions on new recruits this summer as they aim to gatecrash the Premier League’s top six.
They have already spent £40m on Bruno Guimaraes, who provides fierce competition for Longstaff in midfield.
Now, the worry is that Newcastle outgrow Longstaff, and shove him too far down the pecking order with new signings.
However, we feel this shouldn’t happen, and every effort should be made to keep him involved in first-team duties at Newcastle.
It is important for the Magpies to retain some character in the group, and shoving a Geordie through the exit door would not be a good idea.
The Toon Army need to feel a connection with the squad, and Longstaff – a homegrown academy graduate – provides that link superbly.
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