Eddie Howe has confirmed that Newcastle are open to loaning out Matty Longstaff again this summer.
The 22-year-old had a successful loan spell at League Two side Mansfield town at the end of last season, but did not make an appearance in the pre-season fixtures against 1860 Munich or Mainz 05.
He did make a substitute appearance in our behind closed doors clash with Burnley, however it’s no surprise to hear he could be sent out again now he’s behind Guimaraes, Shelvey, Joelinton Willock and brother Sean in the midfield pecking order.
Another one-year loan would take Matty to the end of his contract, so it’ll be interesting to see if we agree another extension prior to him leaving – or use the coming season as his final chance to earn a new deal?
Here’s what Eddie Howe told Newcastle World when asked about Matty’s immediate future:
“Matty Longstaff – I think is in a slightly different position with the competition in midfielder because it’s such a strong unit for us.
“We may look to maybe open the loan market to him again.
“We’ll see what comes up for Matty, what he has shown in pre-season is a brilliant attitude.
“We would open the door to him to maybe get football for his own benefit. We’ll wait and see.”
It certainly makes sense to loan him out, as he is no longer an U21 who can feature in the Premier League without taking up a slot in our 25-man squad.
