Noel Whelan has now urged Newcastle United not to let go of Matty Longstaff after an update on the future of the central midfield player.
The Lowdown: Longstaff can go
As cited by The Northern Echo, Steve Bruce has confirmed that Longstaff can go out on loan before the summer transfer window ends.
He has reportedly been targeted by both Sheffield United and Huddersfield Town ahead of a potential move.
The Latest: Whelan on Longstaff
Speaking to Football Insider, Whelan, who is now a pundit after playing as a striker for the likes of Leeds United and Coventry City, has now urged the St. James’ Park faithful to keep hold of Longstaff before the window shuts, given the size of their current squad at the moment:
“You can’t do it, don’t allow players to leave when you have a squad the size of Newcastle’s.
“They’ve not really been active in this window, it’s a really difficult situation that Steve Bruce is in.
“You’ve got to look if Newcastle have got players coming through the ranks who can replace him, or whether they are willing to go into the market to replace him.
“They’ve not started the season well, so to lose a home-grown player is a bit of a kick in the teeth.
“But he’s another young player who needs to be playing regularly to get the best out of him, and maybe Matty has realised that.”
The Verdict: Keep for now
To be fair, the North East club have a decent amount of options in the middle of the park, including the likes of Longstaff’s brother Sean, Isaac Hayden, Jeff Hendrick, Jonjo Shelvey and new arrival Joe Willock (Transfermarkt).
However, unless they can find a replacement for him with just a few days left of the window to go, they should be looking at keeping Longstaff for now as they may need a big squad deeper into the new season.
Described as a ‘talented’ player by Sky Sports pundit Kevin Campbell back in June, he certainly has potential, as exemplified by scoring a memorable goal on his senior Premier League debut for the Tyneside club in a 1-0 home win over Manchester United (BBC Sport).
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Nonetheless, Longstaff is a local boy as well, and so the Toon Army will want him to do well for them.
In other news, find out which three top-flight players Bruce is eyeing here!