Newcastle United are reportedly expected to reopen contract talks with Sean Longstaff.
The midfielder is now into the final year of his existing deal at St. James’ Park.
That means, of course, that the Magpies risk losing him for nothing.
Given Longstaff will be 24 next month, the club would be unable to claim compensation for his development if he did leave as a free agent.
According to the Mirror (5/9, pg 78), Newcastle are keen for negotiations with the player they value at £10 million.
They are hoping to tie him down.
Failure to do so soon may prompt the club to sell in January.
Longstaff has reportedly been the subject of interest from Everton, who are of course now managed by former Toon boss Rafa Benitez.
The Spaniard was the man who gave Longstaff his Premier League debut back in December 2018.
In a lot of people’s eyes, Longstaff has not really kicked on in recent times.
Many expected him to be an undroppable player by now, but he has struggled for consistency under Steve Bruce.
Longstaff needs to be tied down
Newcastle need to be getting Longstaff signed up to a new contract ideally.
It would be hugely embarrassing to lose a player like him for nothing, when he has previously been valued at around £50 million.
He may well be a local lad, but there is every chance he may refuse fresh terms given his stagnation.
He could be seeking a new challenge, and that would be gutting for many Toon fans who had high hopes for the maestro.
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