Newcastle United and Eddie Howe ‘optimistic’ deal with midfielder will be reached

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Eddie Howe is optimistic Sean Longstaff will sign a new contract with his boyhood club Newcastle United.

The Geordie midfielder is the only first-team player currently out of contract this summer after recent new deals for Fabian Schar and Paul Dummett.

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It was thought an agreement between Longstaff and the Magpies would have been reached by now, but Howe remains confident the 24-year-old will stay.

Newcastle United midfielder Sean Longstaff. Newcastle United midfielder Sean Longstaff.
Newcastle United midfielder Sean Longstaff.

Asked if Longstaff had penned a new contract yet, Howe, speaking after the 2-1 win at Burnley, said: “No, but I anticipate that hopefully we can come to a successful conclusion on that one.”

Longstaff, on the whole, has struggled for game time under Howe, though has started the last three games against Manchester City, Arsenal and Burnley with both Jonjo Shelvey and Joe Willock injured.

Howe has constantly spoken of his admiration for Longstaff, which is one of the reasons why it is hoped the player will commit his future to Newcastle.

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“To be honest, from the moment the manager and his staff came in, what they’ve done and what they’ve created has been unbelievable,” Longstaff told the club website. “It’s so, so special. I don’t think it’s lost on us as players how lucky we’ve been to have him come in.

“He’s saved us and for us to finish 11th from where we were, on the first day he came in, has been unbelievable. The credit goes to him and his staff for bringing all the players together and it’s just been a privilege to be a part of.”