Eddie Howe confirms this midfielder has returned to Newcastle United - but his future is undecided

Eddie Howe has confirmed Matty Longstaff has returned to Newcastle United.

And the Magpies head coach will assess the young midfielder in training before making a decision on his short-term future.

Matty Longstaff’s time at Aberdeen

Longstaff joined Scottish Premiership outfit Aberdeen on a season-long loan in the summer but made just five appearances in total, only three of which were starts.

His last outing for The Dons came in November. He wasn’t named in the matchday squad for the previous five matches.

What Aberdeen manager Stephen Glass said

Glass, a former player for Newcastle, confirmed Longstaff had been recalled on Monday.

He said: “He’s gone back after the break was moved forward. They pulled him back. He’d been injured in the last two or three weeks to be fair.

“Matty’s gone back to Newcastle. They probably want to get him involved. There’s a new manager there who will want to take a look at him.

“We wish him all the best. He’s been brilliant around the place and I think he’s enjoyed his time here.”

What Eddie Howe said about Matty Longstaff’s future

“I need to make a decision based on the performances I see,” Howe said, when asked if Longstaff would be a part of his first-team plans.

“We haven’t seen him yet but we will get him back into the training ground and make a decision from there.”

What’s next for Matty Longstaff?

Longstaff will train with Howe’s first-team before a decision is made on his immediate future. Loan manager Shola Ameobi will also have an input.

At this stage, it appears likely Newcastle will look to loan him out for the remainder of the season due to competition in the squad, and potentially new signings.

It was that exact reason why Longstaff was sent north of the border in the summer, with Jonjo Shelvey, Isaac Hayden, brother Sean, Joe Willock and Jeff Hendrick also fighting for their place.

Longstaff is under contract on Tyneside until 2023 after signing a one-year extension in the summer.