Newcastle United supporters have been making all the noise in the Transfer Tavern in recent weeks following their side’s resurgence in form.

The North East giants suffered successive defeats upon their return to the Premier League to suggest that a very tough season was to follow, but the Magpies have since picked up three consecutive victories to propel themselves up to fourth in the division.

Rafa Benitez’s men eased past West Ham before narrowly beating Swansea City and Stoke City, the latter a 2-1 win at St James’ Park on Saturday thanks to Jamaal Lascelles’ second-half header.

And although things are certainly looking up at Newcastle, recent reports suggest that they could be facing a battle to keep starlet Sean Longstaff in the coming transfer windows.

The 19-year-old is currently playing his trade on loan at League One side Blackpool, and has bagged four goals and laid on three assists in just six league matches to underline his importance to Gary Bowyer’s side, as well as his undoubted talent and potential.

And it’s that form which has reportedly attracted the interest of other Premier League outfits, leaving Newcastle with a likely battle to retain his services in windows to come.

Nonetheless, here are THREE reasons why the North East giants simply must keep the midfield starlet…

Huge future ahead of him

If the last few weeks are anything to go by, then Longstaff has a huge future ahead of him in the game.

The midfielder has made a blistering start to life at Blackpool with four goals and three assists in six League One matches, with the 19-year-old making a contribution in every league appearance so far this season.

That has helped propel the Tangerines up to fourth in the division, and has further emphasised Longstaff’s undoubted potential, as well as talent even at a young age.

Keeping these sort of players is crucial for Newcastle in their quest to re-establish themselves as a Premier League club for years to come.

Building for the future

Newcastle have twice suffered relegation from the Premier League in the last nine years, and although they have twice bounced back at the first time of asking, they have got to start planning for the future to make sure it doesn’t happen again.

And that includes keeping some of their most prized young assets, of which Longstaff is certainly one.

The Magpies have a manager in Benitez whose acumen at this level is excellent, and thus they have to back him in a bid to return to the club to its former glory.

That’s not going to happen in 12 months, but could happen over the next five or so years, meaning the foundations have to be there, including young talent which will play a part in years to come.

Thus, keeping the talented Longstaff is imperative in the North East giants’ future prospects.

Statement of intent

It remains to be seen what Premier League sides are interested in Longstaff, yet you sense that further impressive displays could attract the interest of those right at the top.

Thus, it would be a huge statement of intent from Newcastle to fend off the interest and retain the 19-year-old, which would declare their ambitions to return to the upper echelons once again.

The club have struggled in the last decade, for one reason or another, but keeping their best players regardless of the suitors would remind everyone of the stature of Newcastle, and the changing times at St James’ Park after a testing few years.