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Pundit criticises classic Newcastle-esque error with player’s future in doubt – report

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Former Sunderland forward and pundit Kevin Phillips has criticised Newcastle for the contract situation of Matty Longstaff.

The 46-year-old former England international spoke to Football Insider and claimed that it would be ‘typical’ of the club on Tyneside to not have the central midfielder under contract for next season.

Longstaff has burst onto the scene this year – scoring three goals in nine appearances this campaign – and now the club face losing him as his contract is set to expire in the summer.

When asked by the outlet about the 19-year-old’s situation, the forward implied that the best option would be to stay at St James’ Park, while also having a bit of a dig at the club for not sorting this out sooner.

He saidI’ll be careful what I say to you but would it be typical Newcastle not to tie him up?

“You’d like to think having the impact that he’s had on the club you’d tie him down, I’m sure they will, unless he’s got somebody in his ear, an agent, telling him, ‘you know I can get you a better deal elsewhere.’

“You’d stay at your home-grown club, you’re going to get opportunities, with your brother, learn your trade, become better and better because in time you’ll move on but at the minute you’re at the right place.”

Would you blame Matty Longstaff if he left the club?

Absolutely not, I wouldn't blame him

Absolutely not, I wouldn't blame him

Yes, he is a Newcastle fan and it is all set up for him here

Indifferent

Given his age, his upbringing and how impactful he has been thus far, even United fans will be unlikely to disagree with the former Mackem here.

With Match of the Day’s online magazine claiming that both Milan clubs are now sniffing around the midfielder, as well as the Chronicle saying that German teams are interested, it shows poor organisation and ambition that they still haven’t been able to tie down a former youth player to a longer deal.

As Phillips alludes to in his quotes, everything is set up for him here to be a player here for years to come: his older brother has become a regular, he is a boyhood Newcastle fan and he has already scored three goals in the black and white from midfield despite being just 19. So why hasn’t it happened yet?

You can hardly blame the youngster for exploring his options with big clubs from Europe allegedly sniffing around. However, you feel if the club set their stall out, made assurances about his future and made a proper offer, then this choice shouldn’t be a difficult one for him.

Steve Bruce has already come out saying that he is “hopeful” about getting it done, but regardlessly, this kind of attention isn’t beneficial for the club or the player and he should’ve been signed up before he has the opportunity to speak to clubs from abroad.

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