Four clubs reportedly interested in loan move for Newcastle youngster Matty Longstaff

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According to the Chronicle, Steve Bruce will not stand in the way of Matty Longstaff if he wants to leave Newcastle on loan this summer.

They state that Anderlecht, Norwich, Middlesbrough and West Brom are keen.

The midfielder had a season to forget at St James’ Park, barely featuring for the first-team.

Longstaff made just five Premier League appearances all season, three of which were starts during the busy Christmas period.

The youngster was thrust into the starting XI on Boxing Day against Manchester City, then retained his place days later versus Liverpool.

That was Longstaff’s only sustained period in the Newcastle first-team, in what has been a frustrating year.

He made his Premier League debut in 2019, scoring the winner in front of the Gallowgate against Manchester United. As far as debuts go, you couldn’t ask for much more.

But that has proven to be something of a false dawn for Longstaff.

Despite signing a new contract, this year has been much tougher.

Should Newcastle send Matty Longstaff out on loan?

It’s clear that Longstaff needs more first-team experience.

If he’s not going to get that at Newcastle then we have to loan him out.

He clearly has a lot of potential, and could have a bright future at St James’ Park.

We would be foolish to let him go permanently, but if Bruce has no plans to use him consistently next season then he has to leave temporarily.

But before he does that, we need to tie him down to a new contract. Longstaff’s current deal expires in the summer of 2022.

So if he does leave on loan, where should he go?

A move to Norwich would hand him the Premier League experience he craves, but he might struggle to get in the first-team there as well. As well as that, the Canaries will likely be battling relegation – a position Newcastle could find themselves in.

The technical standard of football would be good at Anderlecht, but it would be a surprise to see Longstaff move to Belgium.

Heading to the Championship seems more likely for Longstaff. A move to West Brom could be ideal, as they will probably be chasing promotion.

It would give him the chance to properly experience senior English football.

But considering Newcastle still haven’t announced a retained list, kit provider or new shirts, don’t expect Longstaff’s future to be resolved any time soon.