Toon ready to tie down Longstaff

NEWCASTLE United are on the verge of agreeing a new contract with Geordie midfielder Sean Longstaff.

The 20-year-old is ready to commit his future to the club in a long-term deal after positive discussions during the international break.

United know they need to get Longstaff secured as his current arrangement is set to expire in the summer. Longstaff can leave from June 30 to join a European side if no contract is agreed.

And the Chronicle understands that there has been big interest from the Continent after Longstaff’s year of progress.

Indeed, one Bundesliga side is waiting in the wings to see how things unfold for the Academy product, while there is also interest from France and Spain.

In recent years AFC Bournemouth and Glasgow Rangers have also tracked Longstaff, while there were was a Celtic scout watching a recent reserve game at Whitley Park to run the rule over the midfielder.

Newcastle tied down Sean’s younger brother Matty in the summer, and securing both Longstaff youngsters would be seen as a success story for the Academy.

Rafa Benitez insisted on Longstaff staying at United in the summer. Back then he blocked an offer from Portsmouth who wanted to sign him on a seasonlong loan deal.

Longstaff made his first-team debut in August against Nottingham Forest in the League Cup, but is still awaiting his Premier League bow.

After impressing in Newcastle’s Checkatrade Trophy win at Notts County, it is clear to coaches at the club he can be trusted at the higher level.