Steve Bruce offers update on Matty Longstaff contract talks at Newcastle United

The midfielder’s deal at St James’s Park expires at the end of the campaign – and Udinese have tabled him a lucrative offer.

Newcastle have made an improved offer to Longstaff, an unused subsrtitute for yesterday’s 2-2 draw against West Ham United at St James’s Park, and Bruce still hopes that he can be persuaded to sign it.

United’s head coach met the 20-year-old for further talks on Friday, but there was not a breakthrough in discussions have dragged on since early this season when Longstaff made a goalscoring Premier League debut against Manchester United at St James’s Park.

The proposed takeover, if approved by the Premier League, could lead to a breakthrough.

Asked for an update on discussions after the West Ham game, Bruce said: "They're still ongoing, so let's hope that before we clear off at the end of the season, we've got some clarity on it.

"I'll keep plugging away, because, as I keep saying, the boy should play his football here. Again, he's involved (in yesterday’s 2-2 draw against West Ham United), will be involved on Wednesday when we play Manchester City, so I hope we can get it over the line."

A new contract for Longstaff’s elder brother Sean – who broke into the first-team squad last season – has been on the agenda at Newcastle for more than a year.

The 22-year-old midfielder is sidelined with a hamstring injury.