Newcastle United journalist Mark Carruthers has been left thrilled by some news that he has now heard involving Sean Longstaff.

The Lowdown: New contract for Longstaff

As per the Magpies' official website, the midfielder has now signed a new three-year deal, following his team-mates Fabian Schar and Paul Dummett in extending their contracts recently.

Amid all the money available to the Tynesiders to buy world-class quality this summer, Longstaff is a local boy born and raised in North Shields, so he has that extra connection with the Toon Army which will now continue on into next season.

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The Latest: Carruthers thrilled

Taking to Twitter, Carruthers - who writes for various Magpies-themed outlets - was left thrilled when he heard the announcement about Longstaff's new contract.

He gushed: "Great news! I think there were signs in recent weeks of the player we all saw developing under Rafa Benitez.

"Looking forward to seeing him develop further under Eddie Howe and building on the undoubted momentum."

The Verdict: Deserved

Featuring 14 times so far under Eddie Howe, Longstaff played his part in getting Newcastle out of the relegation scrap in which they found themselves under Steve Bruce, so he is deserving of his new deal.

Ranking highly among his team-mates in terms of average tackles and pass completion per game in the Premier League (WhoScored), the midfielder is not particularly flashy, but he does a consistent job for Howe in the middle of the park.

Also, at 24 years of age, Longstaff has probably not hit his prime yet, and Howe could certainly help the player to fulfil his potential over the next few years under his management.

In other news, Howe is now pondering a bid for this Premier League maestro