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Benitez speaks out on Longstaff loan offers

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Image for Benitez speaks out on Longstaff loan offers

Rafa Benitez has revealed that Newcastle United received multiple enquiries from clubs about taking Sean Longstaff on loan this January, but has suggested that he is happy with the midfielder to stay on Tyneside.

The 21-year-old has broken into the Magpies’ first team in recent weeks following a number of injuries, and has impressed with his performances.

The Academy graduate also grabbed the first goal in the 4-2 win over Blackburn Rovers on Tuesday night.

Speaking in a press conference on Friday, as quoted by the Chronicle (1.46pm), Benitez said: “We had a lot of teams asking to take Longstaff on loan this month. I told them to wait.

“He has had opportunities because of injuries. He is working so hard & is learning. He is doing well.

“Longstaff has been training for a while, & we knew his potential. We had confidence he would do well.”

OPINION

Benitez must be thanking his lucky stars that he didn’t agree to send Longstaff out on loan this month. The young man has been a standout performer since getting his chance in the first team, and at the moment, with the injury concerns and lack of personnel that the Magpies have, he looks as if he could be in the first team for a long time to come. Adversity can often unearth some hidden gems for clubs in relegation battles, and Longstaff certainly feels as if he could be on e of those players who gets thrown in at the deep end just thrives. he is a mature and composed player, and not once has he lookout of place in the Toon Army’s midfield. His local roots also mean that the Geordie faithful have a new hometown hero to shout about, and if there’s one thing that Toon supports love, it’s a local lad doing well in the black and white stripes.

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