OPINION
This has already been a harrowing summer for the Newcastle United supporters. From manager Rafael Benitez leaving to protracted takeover talks that are seemingly going nowhere, it’s been a tricky time for the Toon Army.
The last thing that the fans want is for their best players to be pinched from them, but that is the reality facing them in regards to young midfielder Sean Longstaff.
It was good news, then, that the Magpies were thought to be in contract talks with the 21-year-old. The Chronicle stated on Sunday that there was a hope that the Englishman was about to sign fresh terms at St James’ Park, but that talks have been shelved after Benitez’s departure.
The Chronicle story also states how Premier League giants Manchester United are hugely interested in Longstaff, which has been known for some time now.
It’s imperative, then, that if Newcastle want to keep hold of their most prized young asset, they up the ante and re-start contract talks with Longstaff as soon as possible.
Progress has obviously been disrupted by the small matter of the team not having a manager. However, managing director Lee Charnley must rise above the uncertainty and get Longstaff to put pen to paper if he wants to avoid seeing the youngster wearing Man United red next season.
United will always be tempting for young English players like Longstaff, and so the Magpies must do whatever they can to convince him that, despite the uncertainty on Tyneside, his future belongs at St James’ Park.
