Steve Bruce has shared a promising update on the futures of FOUR Newcastle United players in his press conference this morning.
The NUFC boss confirms that the ‘terrific’ Federico Fernandez has ‘an option’ to sign for another year, claims Javier Manquillo is already in talks and that they’re hopeful over Matty Longstaff – insisting there’s plenty time to tie him down before his deal runs out this summer.
As for Sean Longstaff, Bruce feels there’s ‘no rush’, with the midfielder still having 2 years left on his current contract.
Starting with Fernandez and Manquillo, here’s what Bruce had to say about the Spanish-speaking duo:
“We’re hoping that we can sit down.
“I think Fede has an option anyway for another year. He’s been terrific.”
“Manquillo – it’s something we’re talking about now, as well. We’re aware they’re out of contract in the summer.”
“We’ll sit down with them over the coming weeks and see where we’re at.
“If we can get a couple of quick results that will help everything”
The last line is interesting. Perhaps talk have been put on hold until our safety is confirmed for the sake of relegation clauses the players may have wanted to insert?
Either way, it’s positive to see Bruce confirm the clause that exists in Fernandez’s deal – suggesting he could stay – and that talks are already taking place with Manquillo’s camp.
Bruce then had this to say when asked about the two Longstaff’s – with Matty’s situation particularly time sensitive given his current deal is due to expire this summer:
“We’re still in talks with both & we’re still hopeful we can tie them down.”
“Sean has got something like 2 years left so there’s no rush in that respect.
“Matty, you all know what I think of him.
“I gave him his debut.We hope we can get something sorted. We’ve still got time but it’s on their terms too. We’ll give it our utmost”
Hopefully this morning’s news that Matt Ritchie and Jonjo Shelvey have signed extensions until 2023 is a sign of things to come, with several first-team players being out of contract this summer or about to enter the final 12 months of their current deals.
Fingers crossed!
