Newcastle United icon Lee Clark has urged the club to pull out all the stops and sign Sean and Matty Longstaff to new contracts as talks continue to waver.
Recent reports have suggested that Matty Longstaff has emerged as a potential target for Serie A giants Inter and AC Milan, due to the 19-year-old entering the final six months of his current terms and being available for a compensation fee of just £400,000 if he were to leave as a free agent this summer.
United have held talks with the academy graduate over extending his time on Tyneside, but chances of a deal being reached have begun to waver after reaching a stalemate.
Longstaff is keen to stay at St. James’ Park beyond the present season and head coach Steve Bruce would love for him to stay, too, leaving Managing Director Lee Charnley to resolve the impasse before it is too late.
Clark is adamant that Longstaff and older brother Sean must be tied down in the North East, as unearthing talented youngsters like them is a challenge that often has not presented the desired quality.
“It’s absolutely crucial the club tie-down Matty Longstaff to a new contract,” Clark wrote in his column for Tribal Football.
Will Matty Longstaff sign a new contract with NUFC?
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“The club have been crying out for local lads who have come through from the academy, and there is now a manager in place who is prepared to play the youngsters, even above the senior players, and not wait for his hand to be forced through injuries or suspensions.
“The academy is appreciative of that and the young players can see that there will be opportunities given. And the two boys, Sean as well, have come in and are two completely different types of players, but have done terrifically well in their own right.
“And I think it is massive for the club to keep them on board, get them settled and make them part of the future, because good young players are hard to come by, and especially local players.”
While Clark is adamant that the Longstaff brothers must be retained, Bruce is growing concerned by the length of time that it is taking Charnley to conclude negotiations with Matty.
The contract awarded to Sean Longstaff following his senior graduation under Rafa Benitez last season is believed to be playing into matters, and could see the 22-year-old secure another improved deal.
Matty Longstaff made his first-team debut against Leicester City in the Carabao Cup last August and later earned his Premier League bow at home to Manchester United on October 6, which he has followed up with six further top-flight appearances and three outings in the FA Cup.
Bruce has only started the Rotherham-born midfielder and Sean in two of our last six Premier League fixtures.
In other Newcastle United news, the club are interested in signing a 24-year-old forward who is averaging 4.3 shots per 90 mins this league season.