Newcastle United midfielder Matty Longstaff has reportedly emerged as a target for Championship side Derby County.
The Chronicle have claimed Wayne Rooney’s side are targeting a loan move for the 21-year-old, who hardly featured last term.
Longstaff made just five appearances in the Premier League in 2020/21.
Many expected him to kick on after making his debut in the 2019/20 season and following his fantastic debut goal against Manchester United.
But opportunities have been hard to come by under Steve Bruce.
Newcastle’s battle to stay up saw the manager elect for more experienced players.
That said, once the Magpies secured their safety, Longstaff still didn’t get any minutes.
It remains to be seen what course of action the club will take, but there is surely a reasonable chance he’ll leave on loan given his lack of chances.
Newcastle should sanction loan
If Derby do indeed want to sign Longstaff on loan, then Newcastle should sanction the move.
A player with such talent at the age of 21 cannot be sitting on the bench.
He is at risk of his development stalling, and if Bruce doesn’t have plans to use him then he needs to go out and play.
Derby could be a great move for him as the Championship is a really challenging yet potentially rewarding division for young players.
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