In a recent Q&A on the Chronicle Live, Lee Ryder, the Chronicle’s chief Newcastle writer, has been discussing Matthew Longstaff’s current contract situation.
Longstaff, who is an academy graduate of Newcastle United, has made seven Premier League appearances for the Magpies so far this season, scoring two goals, in addition to a further goal from four FA Cup fixtures.
The 19-year-old central midfielder, who is valued at £3.6 million (as per Transfermarkt), has averaged a WhoScored match rating of 6.63 over the league this term, leading to discussions of the club offering a new contract to the England U20 international.
However, in response to a question asking Lee Ryder for an update on Longstaff’s contract discussions, the journalist stated:
“As I reported a couple of weeks ago there is now an offer on the table from a European club. I get the feeling Newcastle will get one last chance to sit down and talk with the midfielder.”
He continued: “But there are concerns over his development and whether he can progress from a 19-year-old England youth international into a regular top-class player who gets a game every week. Can Newcastle guarantee that? He’s not kicked a ball for weeks.”
As such, it would appear that Longstaff’s future with the club seems uncertain at present, and with the central midfielder having not made a league appearance since Newcastle’s 2-2 with Everton back in January, it could be argued that Steve Bruce is already attempting to make do without the youngster in his first team.