Steve Bruce has been “hugely impressed” by Federico Fernandez and Javier Manquillo – and could play a key role in securing them new contracts according to the Northern Echo.
The duo are about to enter the final six months of their current deals, with both set to leave on a free next summer as things stand, however it’s reported that the NUFC boss has been very impressed by their ‘performances and attitude’ of late.
Both were struggling to make Bruce’s matchday squad (never mind his starting 11!) just a few months ago, however the Spanish-speaking duo have been revelations in recent weeks, putting in several big displays at the back.
As a result, it’s reported that Bruce could step in and ask Mike Ashley to hand both new deals. Here’s a snippet from the Northern Echo’s piece:
‘Things get more complicated when it comes to Fernandez and Javier Manquillo. Both have been surprisingly influential figures this season, but both are yet to enter into formal contract discussions. If they seek an improvement on their current terms, some hard bargaining could ensue.
‘Bruce’s role in the talks could be crucial, with the Magpies manager having been hugely impressed by the performances and attitude of both Fernandez and Manquillo in the last few months.‘
Some will argue that Manquillo still isn’t good enough, but he’s outshone Yedlin at both ends in recent weeks and is a player we’d have to spent a few million to replace.
When he’s still just 25, playing as well as we’ve seen in a black and white shirt and capable of playing down either flank, it would seem silly to let him leave for nothing.
Elsewhere, the Echo’s Scott Wilson also claims that soon-to-be out of contract striker Andy Carroll will be handed an extension provided he continues to prove his fitness over the second half of the season.
