Newcastle United prepared to loan out player who is currently in Portugal

Newcastle United are open to loaning out Matty Longstaff again this summer, Eddie Howe confirmed.

Longstaff, brother of Sean, has linked up with Howe’s first-team squad for pre-season after returning from his loan spell at League Two side Mansfield Town.

The 22-year-old did not feature in United’s Austria fixtures against 1860 Munich and Mainz 05 but was handed minutes versus Burnley in a behind closed doors training session on Saturday at the club’s Portugal base.

Longstaff could yet feature against Benfica at the Estadio da Luz on Tuesday night but he is unlikely to force his way into Howe’s 25-man Premier League squad with Bruno Guimaraes, Joelinton, Joe Willock, Jonjo Shelvey and Sean Longstaff ahead in the pecking order.

That is likely to see Longstaff join another club this summer.

What Eddie Howe about Matty Longstaff’s future

Howe said: “Matty Longstaff - I think is in a slightly different position with the competition in midfielder because it’s such a strong unit for us.

“We may look to maybe open the loan market to him again.”

Longstaff has one-year left on his contract, so a potential loan move would take him to the end of his deal, unless an extension is agreed.

“We’ll see what comes up for Matty,” Howe added. “What he has shown in pre-season is a brilliant attitude.

“He’s brilliant around the group, loves Newcastle - he’s Newcastle through and through. He’s got a great relationship with his brother and the lads love him.

“We would open the door to him to maybe get football for his own benefit. We’ll wait and see.”