Matty Longstaff looks set to leave Newcastle United having failed to agree a new contract, reports Sky Sports.
Longstaff’s current deal with the club expires at the end of this month and a move to Udinese currently seems the most likely option for the midfielder.
The 20-year-old has been offered a five-year contract by the Serie A side. If he signs, it would see Longstaff’s earnings jump to £30,000-a-week. He would also be due a large signing on fee.
The youngster currently earns £850-a-week on an academy deal with Newcastle. Longstaff was offered a long-term contract with the Magpies earlier this season worth around £15,000-a-week.
After turning that down the club never returned with an improved offer. Longstaff is keen to stay at St James’ Park, but only if they meet his demands.
With it seeming like that won’t be the case, he flew out to Italy earlier this year to talk with Udinese. This was before lockdown both there and in the UK due to the coronavirus pandemic.
MORE UNITED STORIES
Both Inter Milan and Marseille are also believed to be interested in Longstaff. However, as yet, only Udinese have made him a concrete offer.
Should Sheffield United join the race for Matty Longstaff?
Longstaff burst onto the scene earlier this campaign when he scored the winner against Manchester United in October on his Premier League debut.
To date he has played 13 times for the Magpies, netting three goals. Longstaff is highly rated, yet ongoing takeover talks at Newcastle has made him fear for his future at the club.
Which is perhaps why the Blades should consider a move. Longstaff is young, talented and could well develop further both as a footballer and a financial asset.
Due to his age, any team that signs the England Under-20 international as a free agent would have to pay £400,000 in compensation. But that could prove to be a superb investment in a short space of time if Longstaff fulfils his potential.
Not only that, but his position in central midfield is an area the Blades may need to improve this summer. Mo Besic is set to return to Everton after his loan expires, while Jack Rodwell will also become a free agent if he’s not offered a new deal.
Not only that, but contract negotiations with John Lundstram do not appear to be close to conclusion. They have been ongoing for months, with manager Chris Wilder believed to have become frustrated with its progress – or lack of it.
Longstaff could be exactly the sort of young player Wilder could bring in and mould to his style.