Newcastle United ‘very close’ to agreeing deal with midfielder

Sean Longstaff is close to signing a new contract at Newcastle United, Eddie Howe has confirmed.

The Geordie midfielder remains the only first-team player out-of-contract this summer after Fabian Schar and Paul Dummett penned new deals over the last fortnight.

Talks have been ongoing with Longstaff, and Howe, speaking ahead of Monday’s game with Arsenal, revealed a deal is “very close”.

Howe said” I expect a positive resolution for Sean, yeah. Fingers crossed.

“It’s very close to being done. I’m actually day-to-day in charge of that but fingers crossed we can get it over the line.”

The 24-year-old has found game time hard to come by since Howe’s arrival in November.

Joelinton’s emergence in midfield has provided another option for Howe along with Joe Willock and Jonjo Shelvey, as did Bruno Guimaraes’ arrival from Lyon in January.

Despite Longstaff starting just five times in 2022, Howe has always maintained his desire to keep the player, who came through the youth ranks at his boyhood club.

Speaking earlier this year, Howe said: “I love Sean, but I maybe have not displayed that with my team selections. That is only because it is a really strong area of the team.

“I really do rate him highly and I am desperate for him to get an opportunity and show everyone on a consistent basis what he can do because he is a top player.

“I would love him to stay and there is no part of me that wants to see him leave and I believe he has a long-term future here. That is Sean’s decision as well.”