Steve Bruce has admitted his concern that Newcastle are still to tie up brothers Sean and Matty Longstaff to new contracts.
The academy graduates have been in talks with the club for some time with 22-year-old Sean having last summer found himself a target for Manchester United, against whom 19-year-old Matty scored the winner on his Premier League debut in October.
However, an agreement is yet to be reached with either player and head coach Bruce is anxiously awaiting a breakthrough.
Asked about Matty’s situation, he said: “It’s a concern for us all, of course it is. I hope we can get that tied up, I really do.
“But, they’ve got the power these days, the players. We see it often now with young players as well. I hope there’s a bit of common sense.
“There’s nobody, at 19, played more games than him. He’s got an opportunity.”
The younger brother’s existing deal has now entered its final six months and with Sean too yet to agree a new contract, the Magpies face a race against time to secure two of their most promising youngsters.
Bruce said: “Look, we always want to keep your best young players, especially if they’re Geordies, of course. Let’s hope they both get tied up.”
The brothers could play alongside each other once again on Tuesday evening – provided Matty shakes off a thigh problem – when the Magpies face League One Oxford in an FA Cup fourth-round replay at the Kassam Stadium.
