Matty Longstaff handed take it or leave it offer as Bruce claims there’s now “nothing” NUFC can do

Steve Bruce’s has insisted the ball is now in Matty Longstaff’s court if he wants to stay at Newcastle United – suggesting a take it or leave it offer is on the table for the midfielder.

While the 20-year-old has agreed an extension until the end of the season – meaning his current deal won’t expire on June 30th – his long-term future on Tyneside remains up in the air.

The Mail’s Craig Hope claims Udinese’s offer is £10,000 more than our at present, however Bruce’s comments suggest the proposal on the table from our side is a “fantastic” one, stating we’ve done “everything we possibly can” to keep him at the club.

Here’s what Bruce has had to say about the local lad’s future today:

“Now, the ball is certainly in young Matty’s hands.

“I’ve said it many times that being a Newcastle lad, and having had the season he’s just had, now it’s his way forward.

“Of course we would all love him to stay, but as young as he is, the players now, it’s their prerogative if they want to run down their contract.

“There’s nothing much more we can do as a club.

“This is his way forward, we’d love him to stay. We’ve made him a fantastic offer.

“We’ve done everything we possibly can. The rest is now up to Matty for him to decide.’

It would be a crying shame if such a promising Academy product left for the money and a move to Italy.

There could well be much more to it than Bruce is letting on – maybe Matty is wary of his game time or is waiting to see what happens with a potential takeover – but the fact these talks have stalled for so long shows something is clearly up.

Has he got a few bad influences in his ear, has he genuinely been tempted by the chance of earning an extra £10,000 per week or have Udinese offered him the first-team assurances Steve Bruce can’t?

Whatever is going on, he would be wise to remember he’s only made six appearances in the Premier League, making an offer of £20,000 per week a generous one in some respect

It’s been great to see Carroll and Manquillo sign new deals this week, but losing Matty for £400,000 would be a real shame – especially when we don’t see many Geordie talents make the grade.

About Olly Hawkins

As a Junior Magpie since birth and season ticket holder, I eat, sleep and breathe all things NUFC! Here at the blog, I aim to bring you news, views, match reports and transfer exclusives as and when I get them.

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