Shearer has a warning for Matty as he considers Newcastle offer

Alan Shearer has given his view on Matty Longstaff’s contract dispute with Newcastle United.

The 20-year-old is out of contract at the end of the month – and is wanted by Udinese. Newcastle are still hopeful of persuading the midfielder to stay at St James’s Park, and Longstaff, for his part, has been waiting on the proposed takeover of the club.

It’s been reported that the club has made an improved offer to Longstaff, and former Toon striker Shearer says it would be a "huge gamble" if he left the club.

“I’m struggling to get my headaroundMattyLongstaff’s situation,” said Shearer.

“If he leaves at the end of his contract, it will be a great shame, because he’s a local boy – and you don’t know what’s around the corner with the looming takeover.

For someone who has started just six league games, it would be a huge gamble to move to Udinese, and I really hope it doesn’t backfire for him.

“If the figures we’re hearing are correct, then Newcastle have put a very good offer onthetable.Iunderstandtheir stance, because you’ve got a 20-year-oldwhohasnotplayed much and wasn’t even in the equation at the beginning of the season.

“They feel they’ve offered him a lot of money, with increases going up and up each year, which he or his agent clearlydoesn’tthinkisenough.

“I’m sure there is more behind it than we may know but it’s a big risk for a local boy to leave the area and his football club for a team in Italy that could be relegated.

“Longstaffmusthavehisindividual reasons as to why he is choosing to leave his club. If heseeshimselfdownthepecking order, then it’s up to him to make himself first choice.

“If you’ve got the belief in your ability, then you will turn thataround,andyouwilleventuallybecomearegularstarter. There’s still a little bit of hope hewillstaybutit’ssoundingincreasingly unlikely now – and what a shame both for Longstaff and Newcastle United.”

*Henry Mauriss would quickly clear the Premier

League’sowners’anddirectors’ test, according to his lawyers.

A £300million bid for Newcastle United, funded by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, was lodged with the Premier League two months ago.

American businessman Mauriss is reportedly ready to meet the asking price – if the bid is rejected. Mauriss’ lawyers have claimed that he wouldpassthetestin“lessthan three weeks”.