According to Sky Sports, both Matty and Sean Longstaff are in the process of changing their agents in a bid to sort out their futures.
Steve Bruce recently stated “I’m pretty sure there are people in his ear, and distractions” about the current contract impasse involving Matty, so sounds like they may have had their heads turned – but are now taking action to get things resolves once and for all.
Although Sky Sports claim today that this move is to ‘resolve their futures – whether that is at Newcastle or elsewhere‘, you can’t help but wonder if this is just proof their current agents have been a unproductive influence during talks so far, and that this switch is them attempting to finally secure themselves new deals on Tyneside.
Here’s a snippet from Sky Sports’ piece this afternoon:
Newcastle brothers Sean and Matty Longstaff are in the process of changing agents in a bid to sort out their futures.
The midfield duo’s Newcastle careers are in doubt, particularly that of younger sibling Matty, who is out of contract in the summer and free to talk to clubs on the continent.
The 19-year-old made a match-winning debut for the club against Manchester United in October, before following it up with a goal in the reverse fixture at Old Trafford on Boxing Day.
Manager Steve Bruce has said he hopes the midfielder makes a football decision over a financial one, but although talks have taken place for months there is no current concrete offer on the table for the teenager.
And now both Matty and Sean have taken steps to switch representative in a bid to resolve their futures – whether that is at Newcastle or elsewhere.
Matty could leave Tyneside for a small development fee of around £350,000. A handful of Italian clubs have shown interest but the outbreak of coronavirus could make any potential move more challenging.
While both have seen discussions over new deals stall in recent months, Matty’s situation is particularly concerning, with a report over the weekend suggesting he was ‘ready to leave’ the club after talks reached an impasse.
As for Sean, it’s reported that his struggle for form across 2019/20 has seen Man Utd cool their interest, however he too is yet to sign a long-term deal – with his current contract expiring in 2 years time.
I can’t see Sean leaving anytime soon, with him still under contract until 2020 and coming off the back of a tough season so far, but Matty can leave for next to nothing if his situation isn’t sorted in the coming weeks.
That said, I’m a firm believer that this move is them making a joint effort to secure their futures on Tyneside.
Let’s hope this leads to the conclusion we all want – our two local lads signing new deals at St James’ Park!
