Eddie Howe drops Newcastle United contract hint

Eddie Howe has hinted at progress in contract talks with Sean Longsatff – after Paul Dummett signed a new Newcastle United deal.
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Dummett this week signed a new one-year deal at the club ahead of the expiry of his contract in the summer.

The 30-year-old defender impressed Howe after returning to full fitness, having missed much of last year through injury.

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Asked why he was so keen to keep Dummett at the club, United’s head coach said: “Great, great personality, Newcastle through and through. Loves the club, loves everything connected with the club. I still think he's got a lot to offer on the pitch.”

Longstaff – whose deal expires at the end of the season – has been involved in protracted talks over a new contract, and Howe issued an update on discussions ahead of Sunday’s game against Manchester City.

"I hope we can get a positive resolution with Sean,” said Howe. “Hopefully, that one’s moving quite well – and in the right direction. But, obviously, until he’s signed the contract, I can’t say for definite."

Longstaff – who signed his present deal before he made his Premier League debut – addressed his future last month.

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The 24-year-old midfielder said: “With the position we’ve been in, if I’m there sitting and sulking and worrying about me and not about the team, that puts the team at a disadvantage,” said Longstaff.

“That’s not the right thing to do. Now we’re sort of safe, I can maybe put a little thought into it and what’s going to happen.”