This article is part of Football FanCast’s Transfer Focus series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent transfer news…
Matty Longstaff has had a bright start to his senior career and attention in him is beginning to grow across Europe, according to The Chronicle.
What’s the word?
The 20-year-old capped off a brilliant debut against Manchester United with a goal that won him the October Goal of the Month award, as well as also appearing in matches against Chelsea and Wolves.
His performances in those games earned him a call-up to the England U20s squad for the first time, and the game against Portugal was watched by scouts from clubs across several different European countries, including Spain and France.
Interest in him is likely to be considerable as he could be available for a small compensation fee of £400,000 when his current youth development contract expires.
The Magpies need to get him tied down to a new deal that is rumoured to be in the offing, with Bruce apparently keen to have him as a part of his plans, but until they do so the interest in him will likely persist.
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Head could be turned
Longstaff may be a Geordie but he has stated previously that his main focus is to play as many matches as possible, and if he doesn’t envisage a pathway into regular football under Bruce then he could consider leaving.
There may be no fixed interest in him as yet, but if he continues to impress when he gets the chance it is likely that suitors will come knocking. If they offer a brighter alternative that could enhance his development, it could be difficult for Newcastle to persuade him to stay.
His manager has so far handled his situation well, and eased him into the first-team carefully, which was a big factor in him hitting the ground running.
The fact his brother has also got chances to play and him being Newcastle born-and-bred gives the club an advantage when it comes to keeping him, and as long as his current involvement is continued he should be more likely to put pen to paper.
It is vital to the Magpies that a new contract is agreed, as it not only means he won’t leave at the end of the season, but it also ensures that even if the player is eager to join a new team in the future, they should get a decent fee for him if or when he departs.
