Ex-Newcastle player Lee Clark has told Tribal football that it is “absolutely crucial” the Magpies get Matty Longstaff to commit to a long-term deal at the club.
What did he say?
As it stands, the 19-year-old has less than six months left on his contract, and there have been rumours that Serie A pair Internazionale and AC Milan are eyeing him.
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According to Clark, it is vital that they keep hold of Longstaff for the long-term. Writing in his column for Tribal Football, he said: “It’s absolutely crucial the club tie down Matty Longstaff to a new contract.
“The club have been crying out for local lads who have come through from the academy, and there is now a manager in place who is prepared to play the youngsters, even above the senior players, and not wait for his hand to be forced through injuries or suspensions.”
Absolutely right
It is hard to disagree with Clark. So far this campaign, the teenager has already made his mark. Despite mainly playing as a central midfielder, he has already scored three goals in all competitions. For context, only Jonjo Shelvey and Allan Saint-Maximin have managed more for the Magpies.
Interest from two of Italy’s biggest clubs, including the current third-place side in Serie A, says everything you need to know about how promising Longstaff currently looks. Given his displays, it is surprising that he has only featured seven times in the Premier League to date, but perhaps Steve Bruce is trying to keep him under wraps for as long as possible.
If Newcastle were to lose Longstaff on a free transfer, it would be a huge blow to Bruce and the club moving forward, not only because of the message it sends to all of the players at the club.
What would it say about the North East side’s ambitions if they were unable to convince one of their shining lights to continue his development on Tyneside?
Clearly, given they have broken their transfer window twice in the last three windows, they are clearly hoping to climb higher up the table. Longstaff could play a big role in that moving forward.
Meanwhile, Newcastle fans are torn over former player’s “terrible idea”.