Report: European giants target Matty Longstaff as Newcastle contract saga rumbles on

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Newcastle United midfielder Matty Longstaff is attracting attention from elsewhere.

According to The Chronicle, Longstaff will have scouts watching him in action during the international break. The England U20 midfielder is preparing to face Portugal U20s on Thursday afternoon with scouts waiting to check him out.

Porto and Benfica both plan to have scouts present at the match. Meanwhile, some of the biggest clubs from France and Spain will also send representatives to the match with Longstaff one of the main attractions.

Longstaff’s contract situation has alerted a number of clubs to his availability. The 19-year-old is out of contract at the end of this season and a new deal has not yet been agreed.

European clubs can start negotiating a bargain pre-contract deal for Longstaff in January. It will cost just £400,000 in compensation. Until Newcastle have signed a new deal, Longstaff will continue to attract attention.

TBR’s view

Longstaff is a very promising young midfielder. After scoring on his debut against Manchester United, the energetic teenager has shown that he can be part of a new era at St James’ Park.

Alongside his brother Sean, Newcastle have two homegrown midfield stars in their ranks. This is why a new contract before January must be the priority for the Magpies.