'Chaos' - Exclusive: Robinson fears Newcastle will block midfielder exit after big Sky reveal

Paul Robinson fears Newcastle United boss Steve Bruce will block Matty Longstaff from leaving the club on loan in January.

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider correspondent Dylan Childs, the former Spurs and Leeds United goalkeeper claims the recent positive Covid-19 tests in the Magpies camp may have thrown the club's transfer plans "into chaos".

According to the Sunday Mirror (29/11; page 72) Derby County are considering a loan bid for Longstaff, 20, when the transfer window reopens on 1 January.

The centre-midfielder, who committed his long-term future to the club in August, has just 29 minutes of first team football to his name this season.

However, after Sky Sports revealed that five players have tested positive for coronavirus at the club ahead of Friday's trip to Aston Villa, Longstaff may be given his chance.

When asked by Football Insider for his thoughts on the youngster's future, Robinson said: "He has not been playing, he has barely had a sniff at all but now is his chance.

"Steve Bruce cannot afford to let any of his squad go with the current coronavirus situation. The positive tests may have thrown the January transfer plans into chaos.

"Players that could have left may now be told that they have to stay.

"If he was allowed to leave on loan it would be similar to Troy Parrott. Get out to a top Championship club, get playing and show people what you can do.

"I think he would come back a better player if that happened." 

In other Newcastle United news, it can be REVEALED the club are offering Murphy new deal to block Rangers pre-agreement.