Sources: Oxford United in race to sign Newcastle midfielder Longstaff
Oxford United are in a race with EFL rivals to sign Newcastle midfielder Matty Longstaff this month, Football Insider understands.
The 21-year-old has returned to St James’ Park after his season-long loan to Aberdeen was terminated in December.
A recruitment source has told Football Insider that Newcastle are open to loaning out Longstaff again before the close of the transfer window.
He does not figure highly in Eddie Howe's plans and the news of his availability has alerted a host of EFL teams.
Those include League One outfit Oxford, who are in the market for a central midfielder.
Longstaff returned to St James' Park at the turn of the year after struggling for game time at Aberdeen.
He played just five times for the Dons and was not included in a matchday squad for his final five games at Pittodrie.
The Newcastle academy product joined the Scottish outfit after falling out of favour under former Toon boss Steve Bruce.
Longstaff has been unable to force his way into the first-team reckoning despite a change in the dugout.
As such, Newcastle are ready to let him leave on another temporary move before next Monday's transfer deadline.
Several clubs further down the English footballing ladder are keen to seal a loan deal, including Oxford.
The League One outfit are looking to bolster their midfield this month to boost their bid for a top-six finish.
Oxford currently sit sixth, eight points off Sunderland in the automatic promotion places.