Newcastle told not to sell Longstaff after Echo update – pundit
Losing Matty Longstaff would be a “kick in the teeth” for Newcastle United after a dismal start to the season, according to Noel Whelan.
The ex-Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, suggested the Magpies should scrap a possible move due to a lack of squad depth.
As quoted by the Northern Echo yesterday (August 24th), Steve Bruce confirmed that the younger Longstaff brother is available for loan.
Bruce added that a move was possible in the “next couple of days”, with the window closing on August 31.
Matty’s brother, Sean, has also been linked with a move away from St James’ Park, with the Daily Mail reporting last week (August 18th) on interest from Everton and Southampton.
Whelan stated that any potential exits from the Tyneside club would weaken the Magpies, adding that Bruce is in a “difficult situation”.
“You can’t do it, don’t allow players to leave when you have a squad the size of Newcastle’s,” he told Football Insider‘s Dylan Childs.
“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.”
Longstaff exploded onto the scene with a stunning debut strike against Manchester United in October 2019.
Since then, however, he has made just 13 Premier League appearances in two seasons.
In other news, another Newcastle midfielder could be heading for the exit door.