Matty Longstaff commits to Newcastle by signing two-year contract

Newcastle midfielder Matty Longstaff has ended speculation about his future by signing a new two-year deal.

The 20-year-old academy graduate, who made 15 appearances during the 2019-20 season, was out of contract at St James’ Park.

He had been linked with Italian club Udinese and Premier League rivals Leeds and Brighton after extension talks stalled last season.

Magpies head coach Steve Bruce has challenged Longstaff to rediscover the form shown when he broke into the first team.

“It’s great to see a young local lad from North Shields staying with his boyhood club,” Bruce said.

“It’s taken a while, but patience is a virtue and I’ve always said that I was quietly confident.

“We never want to lose our good young players and it’s an important time for Matty now.

“I do believe the speculation affected him, so let’s hope we get to see the real Matty, the one who burst onto the scene before last Christmas, and let’s see him come and perform to the level which we hope he can maintain.”

England Under-20 international Longstaff, whose older brother Sean also plays for Newcastle, claimed the winning goal against Manchester United on his top-flight debut in October.

He said: “I’m delighted to have signed. It took a bit longer than I’d hoped but I’m really happy it’s done now, and I can’t wait to get back to playing at a full St James’ Park hopefully soon.”