Newcastle United boss Steve Bruce has spoken out on the future of Matty Longstaff as he claimed that there is ‘not much we can do’ with regards to whether the central midfield player wants to stay at the Tyneside club beyond the upcoming summer transfer window.
Longstaff has agreed a short-term contract extension until the end of the 2019/20 season but will then become a free agent, having turned down a long-term offer from the Magpies earlier in the campaign.
The Englishman has only been earning £850 per week so far in the northeast and was offered a rather lucrative contract by Italian outfit Udinese before the global coronavirus outbreak.
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This is what Bruce had to say when asked about Longstaff’s future recently (as per Sky Sports):
“The ball is in Matty’s hands.
“I’ve gone public with it; I think we’ve made him a wonderful offer and for me it should be his way forward in his career. Being a Newcastle lad and having the season he’s just had, it’s his way forward.
“Of course we would all love him to stay but, as young as he is, it’s his prerogative. If players want to run down their contract there’s not much we can do as a club.
“We’ve done everything we possibly can. The rest is up to Matty, it’s for him to decide.”
Longstaff has been enjoying a breakthrough season in the first team so far, scoring three goals in 12 senior games in all competitions, according to Transfermarkt. However, his heart does not seem to be fully with the Toon right now given that he has not signed a longer-term deal, so a move to Italian football may be one that he wishes to make.
On the other hand, Newcastle could be subject to a proposed takeover from Amanda Staveley’s Saudi-led group, which could see exciting times ahead for the club.
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It is not guaranteed that Longstaff would get as much game-time under the would-be owners but he may still want to consider being part of a project that could see an abundance of riches coming to St. James’ Park.
Nevertheless, the decision is ultimately up to the midfielder as to whether he wants to stay beyond this current season.
Geordies, would you like to see Longstaff stay or should the club be willing to sell him? Comment below with your views!
