Steve Bruce reacts to Matty Longstaff contract breakthrough at Newcastle United

Longstaff – whose contract expired at the end of last season – is on his way to York to link up with Steve Bruce and his squad at their York training base as the final paperwork is completed.

Talks had stalled with the 20-year-old midfielder midway through last season following his first-team breakthrough.

Speaking to the Gazette, head coach Bruce said: “We’re 99.9% sure that it’s done. There are still tiny little things to get ironed out, which we hope can get ironed out this afternoon. He’s on his way down to the camp.

"At the end of the day he’s from North Shields and playing for his hometown club. I always thought, quietly, he’d sign.”

Asked about his discussions with Longstaff, Bruce went on: "I think the most important thing for Matty is convincing him of how his career can progress. I had to remind him that it was ourselves who put him in against Man United in October.

"His progress was rapid. We just had to politely remind him of his way forward and how he had a wonderful rise so quickly.

"Then, of course, lockdown happens, contracts, people in his ear – all the stuff that goes around a young player of today.

"It certainly affected the kid, but, deep down, I always knew that he wanted to stay at Newcastle, and that was always my card. It’s a great club, especially if you’re a Geordie.”