Longstaff’s future up in the air as both sides stand firm

OPTIONS OPEN TO MATTY IF NEGOTIATIONS FAIL

MATTY Longstaff is no longer officially a Newcastle United player.

After a bright first season in the Magpies’ first team, his contract with the club expired at the end of last month and hopes of two Geordie brothers fronting an exciting new future for Newcastle continue to evaporate.

The England under-20 international is yet to agree a new deal at the club but a decision on his future will need to be made soon,

Longstaff, the younger brother of Newcastle team-mate Sean, burst onto the scene this term by scoring the winning goal on his Premier League debut against Manchester United in October.

His strike at St James’ Park was recently nominated for the Premier League’s Goal of the Season award and he also scored in the return fixture at Old Trafford.

The 20-year-old made 15 appearances in total this term but found his game-time limited towards the end of the campaign as his contract saga rumbled on.

So ahead of what is said to be some pivotal weeks in his future, here’s a look at the potential outcomes.

Stay at Newcastle

The first option, and the desired option for the North Shields native, is to stay at Newcastle.

Longstaff remains a Newcastle fan and is a proud graduate of the club’s academy system. Anybody who witnessed his passionate post-match interview with brother Sean after the win over Manchester United will be able to recognise how much this contract stand-off is hurting him.

Steve Bruce wants Longstaff to stay at Newcastle and continue his development towards becoming an established Premier League midfielder.

He insists Newcastle have made Longstaff an ‘unbelievably good offer’ and it doesn’t seem as if the Magpies are prepared to budge on that deal.

Longstaff and his advisers don’t think it represents a fair deal for a player of his potential. Although the offer is significantly more than his current £800 per week wages, and thought to be in the region of £20,000 per week, it is also below what they are asking for, which is thought to be around £25,000 per week.

Unless there is a compromise from either side, it could well be the end for him at Newcastle.

Join Udinese

News broke earlier this summer that the Serie A side had offered Longstaff a five-year deal on wages of £30,000 per week.

It is an offer the England youth international is thought to be considering and should he accept it he would become one of the highest earners at the Stadio Friuli.

He would be the latest in a long line of young British stars who have moved abroad in recent years, following the likes of Jadon Sancho and Jude Bellingham (Borussia Dortmund), Ademola Lookman and Ethan Ampadu (RB Leipzig), Josh Maja (Bordeaux), Reiss Nelson (Hoffenheim), Reece Oxford (Augsburg) and Jonathan Panzo (Monaco).

The Watford option

Another route an Udinese move could take would be to join Watford

on a loan deal. Reports have suggested Newcastle officials are concerned if he joins Udinese that a move to the Hornets, whether temporary or permanent, would follow, as both clubs are owned by the Pozzo family.

The two clubs have routinely swapped players during their time in charge at Vicarage Road, although following their recent relegation from the Premier League, it remains to be seen whether Longstaff would be prepared to step down to Championship football.

Join newly promoted Leeds

Reports earlier this month suggested Longstaff has also emerged as a target for Leeds. The Whites are back in the Premier League after a 16-year absence and are enjoying an exciting period under the Marcelo Bielsa.

The chance to work with the meticulous Argentinian may be an exciting route for Longstaff to take.

Take a chance elsewhere

Throughout this saga, Longstaff has been linked with a whole host of other clubs and once his free agency status is confirmed, it may pique the interest of a couple of those clubs.

Both Milan clubs and Marseille have been mentioned in dispatches, while there is likely to be plenty more Premier League and Championship interest.

Steve Bruce wants Longstaff to continue his development towards becoming an established Premier League midfielder