Newcastle United are ‘prepared to loan out’ midfielder Matty Longstaff this summer, according to journalist Jordan Cronin.

The Lowdown: Longstaff’s pre-season

The 22-year-old linked up with his brother and the rest of Eddie Howe’s first-team for the Toon’s pre-season after returning from his loan spell with League Two outfit Mansfield Town, where he spent the second half of last season.

The central midfielder did not feature in the Tyneside club’s recent friendlies against 1860 Munich and Mainz 05, but was handed minutes against Burnley in a behind-closed-doors training match on Saturday.

The Latest: Cronin’s news

Cronin has shared news surrounding Longstaff’s future at St James’ Park. Taking to Twitter, the Newcastle World journalist claimed:

“Newcastle United are prepared to loan out Matty Longstaff this summer. The midfielder is into the final year of his contract."

In the attached article, the Magpies boss is quoted as saying:

“We may look to maybe open the loan market to him again. We would open the door to him to maybe get football for his own benefit. We’ll wait and see.”

The Verdict: Stacked in midfield

With the likes of Bruno Guimaraes, Joelinton, Joe Willock, Jonjo Shelvey and Sean Longstaff all ahead in the pecking order, the 22-year-old will struggle to make it into Howe’s 25-man Premier League squad.

This would be a shame for the youngster, who has been described by journalist Josh Bunting as a “good player on the ball” and a midfielder who is “aggressive driving forward”.

With less than a year left on his Newcastle contract, this could be the last time we see Longstaff in a black and white shirt if a loan move is secured, potentially leading to his permanent exit as a free agent.