'I can't understand it': Steve Bruce opens up ahead of decision at Newcastle United

Matty Longstaff won’t be left out in the cold as he considers Newcastle United’s latest contract offer, according to Steve Bruce.
Steve Bruce.Steve Bruce.
Steve Bruce.

Longstaff’s future at the club is in the balance with his deal set to expire this summer.

Newcastle have tabled what Bruce has described as a “wonderful” offer to the midfielder, who is wanted by Udinese. The two parties, however, are understood to still some way apart.

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Longstaff is back in training after missing the start of the Premier League restart with a thigh injury, and Bruce, United’s head coach, says the 20-year-old’s contractual situation “won’t influence” his team selection over the coming weeks.

Speaking ahead of tomorrow’s FA Cup quarter-final against Manchester City, Bruce said: “I won’t let that influence my decision.

“I’ll pick Matty if he’s right, but of course he has to prove his fitness. Unfortunately, he’s had this thigh strain, which we now hope is OK. The rest is up to Matty.

“He’s now got to decide where he wants to play his football, basically. The club could not have done any more. We’ve offered him what I see as a very, very good contract.

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“The rest is up to the young boy now, and where he sees his way through. That’s what we should be focusing on. Where can he best keep his career on the right road, and I think the answer to that is here.

“He’s a local boy in Newcastle. I can’t understand why he would think about moving away, but that’s the boy’s prerogative.”