Steve Bruce has admitted he is ‘concerned’ about Matty Longstaff’s contract situation ahead of our trip to Oxford in the FA Cup 4th round replay.
The 19-year-old’s contract is set to expire in 5 month time and he is now able to speak to overseas clubs about a move – for nothing – in the summer.
Longstaff has been a revelation in his breakthrough season and was responsible for one of the most memorable moments of the season when he scored the only goal of the game to defeat Man United on his home debut.
Here’s what Bruce has had to say:
“It’s a concern for us all, of course it is. I hope we can get that tied up, I really do,”
“But, they’ve got the power these days, the players. We see it often now with young players as well.
“I hope there’s a bit of common sense.
“There’s nobody, at 19, who’s played more games than him.
“He’s got an opportunity. If he’s fit, he plays [against Oxford].”
Now, forgive me if the thought of Matty Longstaff flirting with a move to another club for absolutely zilch doesn’t absolutely boil my blood.
In this day and age of the modern footballer nothing should surprise me – we have been here before with his older brother Sean, who openly admitted his head was turned by Manchester United when the Red Devils come calling last summer.
The Longstaff brothers are Geordie through and through, yet when it comes to committing their futures to the club they don’t exactly fill me with confidence.
That said, you have to question whether the club are abusing the fact Matty is a young local lad living the dream and giving him a derisory offer as a result?
We shall see, but both must remember that the grass isn’t always greener on the other side.
