TOON TO REPEL ROONEY BID FOR LONGSTAFF
NEWCASTLE boss Steve Bruce is ready to resist loan interest in Matty Longstaff.
Wayne Rooney’s Derby are one of a number of Championship clubs who would like to take the Toon midfielder for the rest of the season.
But Longstaff, 20, has been impressive since returning to the starting line-up and Bruce, mindful of the impact of coronavirus cases and injuries, wants to do all he can to maintain squad strength.
Longstaff (below) made his first two starts this season in the 2-0 defeat at Manchester City on Boxing Day and Wednesday’s goalless home draw with Premier League champions Liverpool.
Bruce has revealed that summer weight loss – experienced during protracted uncertainty over his future – and a niggling injury, forced Longstaff out of the picture.
But Magpies legend Malcolm Macdonald says Longstaff was “terrific’’ against the Premier League big guns. He said: “His enthusiasm and drive meant that Newcastle were able to play higher up the pitch, which is crucial, and he gave the side an extra dimension.’’
Longstaff, younger brother of Newcastle midfielder Sean, almost quit Tyneside to join Serie A side Udinese after rejecting a new contract.
The Italians would only have had to pay Newcastle around £400,000 in compensation to land Longstaff. But he performed a huge U-turn and signed a two-year St James’ Park deal after becoming a free agent at the end of last season.
Longstaff, who has two goals in eight Premier League starts, has provided Bruce with his most memorable day to date as Newcastle boss, the youngster marking his Premier League debut last season with the winner at home to the head coach’s former club Manchester United.