Watford have made an enquiry to Newcastle United over the prospect of bringing Sean Longstaff to the club on a potential loan deal until the end of the season, according to Chronicle Live’s Lee Ryder.
Watford have also asked about Sean Longstaff on loan. Such an exit would clear up a squad place but Sean Longstaff doesn't want to leave. His priority is to stay at #nufc
— Lee Ryder (@lee_ryder) January 31, 2021
The Magpies are hoping to free up some space in their squad for potential loan moves they want to make before the transfer window closes. DeAndre Yedlin’s potential departure would clear up some room for some signings to be made, but the Magpies might be able to make space for another addition if they can move on another player before tonight’s deadline.
Watford have been in talks with the Magpies over the possibility of bringing Matty Longstaff to Vicarage Road on loan, with the Hornets searching for a potential replacement for Nathaniel Chalobah, who is a target for Leicester City. However, Ryder has revealed that Newcastle are not under any pressure to sanction a loan move for the 20-year-old.
The journalist added that Watford have also enquired about Longstaff, with the 23-year-old potentially able to leave the club and free up room to bring in Hamza Choudhury from Leicester. However, the midfielder does not want to leave the Magpies and it is his priority to remain at St James’ Park.
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Longstaff seems determined to remain with Newcastle and ensure that he forces his way back into the team, having been left out of the starting line-up since the 1-0 defeat at Sheffield United last month. The 23-year-old has only made nine starts for the Magpies so far this season and has been struggling to find his best form, winning the ball back just 0.3 times and making just 0.4 key passes per game (Sofascore).
However, the midfielder has proven in the past that he can be a quality option for the Magpies when at his best, but there will be frustration that he has not perhaps lived up to his initial promise. That being said, his attitude suggests that he wants to work hard and fight for his place rather than take the easy option of a loan exit.
It will be interesting to see if that stance alters whether Newcastle bring in another midfielder before the deadline which would push him further down the pecking order. This one does not look so likely to happen.
