Shields Gazette reporter Miles Starforth has revealed that Newcastle will not allow midfielder Matty Longstaff to leave the club on loan and they have knocked back Watford’s interest in the 20-year-old.
Told Matty Longstaff will not be going to Watford on loan. #nufc #watfordfc
— Miles Starforth (@milesstarforth) February 1, 2021
Longstaff has had to bide his time for opportunities over the first few months of the season as he has recovered from injury, but he has been more involved for Steve Bruce’s side over the last month or so, starting games against Manchester City, Liverpool, Leicester City and Arsenal. However, he has once again been left out of the side over the last few matches as the Magpies searched for a winning formula. [Transfermarkt]
It has been reported that Watford are interested in taking the 20-year-old on loan for the rest of the season if he is made available by the Magpies. There has also been a report from the Watford Observer that Newcastle might be open to the possibility of sending him out on loan, but that would be dependent on them bringing in some of their transfer targets.
However, according to a report from Chronicle Live’s Lee Ryder, the Magpies are not under pressure to allow him to leave the club, with him not being included in their 25-man squad for the Premier League due to his age. This update from Starforth confirms as such and that the midfielder will not be allowed to leave the club before the window shuts tonight.
Read Newcastle verdict
Allowing Longstaff to leave the club on loan would have been something of a gamble at this stage if Newcastle do not bring someone in. The 20-year-old could potentially benefit from getting some regular minutes in the Championship with a team battling for promotion, but Bruce will want as many options available to him as possible.
The midfielder has shown during his performances against Liverpool and Manchester City in particular that he still has a lot of quality to offer at St James’ Park. It would therefore be a risk to let him leave as, if Newcastle did not bring anyone else in, they might then lack some of the qualities that he possesses.
This one seems like it is pretty much-settled, given there is no pressure to let Longstaff leave, meaning it is best for the Magpies to keep hold of him. It will now be up to him to try and force his way into the team more regularly between now and the end of the campaign.
