Newcastle fans could be set to go through the emotional trauma of losing one of their fan favourites this summer, as Jonjo Shelvey is set to leave the Magpies. The six-time England man signed for the Geordies in January 2016, leaving Swansea for £12 million, and now as St James Park prepares for his exit, Sean Longstaff should be the man that steps up.

The Newcastle midfielder had some interesting sound bites after shining for Newcastle in their 4-0 final day win over Fulham. The ex-Liverpool man opened the scoring in the resounding win and claimed that he had to score to get himself in the spotlight, before going onto say 'At least I've finished with a good performance and a goal'. Newcastle fans can do with that what they will, and you can read more of his comments in The Chronicle.

Whatever happens with Shelvey, next season promises to be a big one for Newcastle fans. It could be one they go into without Rafa Benitez at the helm, but whoever is in charge needs to utilise the incredible talents of Sean Longstaff. The young midfielder started this season in the Newcastle youth development sides, but his rise to stardom has been incredible, peaking with a nomination for the Premier League player of the month award in February.

He didn't win that award but his performances were certainly deserving of it. Alongside Isaac Hayden, in the middle of the park, the 21-year-old workhorse shone and made himself known as he starred in impressive Premier League wins against Manchester City, Huddersfield and Burnley before suffering the knee injury that he is still sidelined with in a 2-0 loss away at West Ham.

The Magpies were understandably gutted to lose their man, but when their #36 returns to action next season he'll be set to play a much bigger role and surely will get an upgrade from that 36 shirt that he currently wears. If he can get into his pomp and pick up where he left off then Shelvey will be a distant memory before long, and this is one in-house move that would work for everyone involved, saving money on a replacement and getting a Shelvey upgrade in one fell swoop.

Toon fans, how excited for the future are you with Sean Longstaff? Reckon losing Shelvey could be a mistake? Join the discussion by commenting below...