Newcastle United midfielder could face North East opposition on debut after completing loan move

Newcastle United midfielder Matty Longstaff has completed a loan move to League Two club Colchester United.

The 22-year-old will link up with the U’s throughout the first half of the season after the two clubs agreed a deal just hours before Thursday’s transfer deadline.

Longstaff spent similar spells with Aberdeen and Mansfield Town last season, scoring six goals in 16 appearances for the latter as they narrowly missed out on promotion into League One with a play-off final defeat against Port Vale.

Eddie Howe confirmed Longstaff was set to be allowed to depart on loan ahead of Wednesday night’s defeat at Liverpool.

“Matty is one,” Howe confirmed when asked about possible deadline day departures.

“The slightly younger players, there might potentially be some movement with those.”

Longstaff, who is currently in the final year of his contract at St James Park, made a handful of appearances during the Magpies pre-season schedule but his first competitive appearance of the season will now come with the U’s.

Should clearance be received in time, Longstaff will be in contention to make his U’s debut when they entertain Hartlepool United at the JobServe Community Stadium on Saturday.

Longstaff was the not the only loan departure from United on Thursday after goalkeeper Martin Dubravka joined Manchester United on a season-long deal and youngster Lucas De Bolle made a similar move to Scottish club Hamilton Academical.