Eddie Howe says he is open to allowing Matty Longstaff to leave on loan again this season after admitting the competition for places in his midfield is fierce.
Should Howe decide to go with a midfield three again he must pick from Bruno Guimaraes, Jonjo Shelvey, Joelinton, Sean Longstaff and Joe Willock while Elliot Anderson is also staking his claim in pre-season. The 22-year-old spent last season on loan at Aberdeen then Mansfield Town and is believed to have EFL clubs interested in signing him this term.
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Longstaff has spent time with the first-team and with the Under-21 squad, playing well in the 3-1 win at Blackburn Rovers last week, and Howe has been impressed by his attitude.
Speaking to reporters during Newcastle's pre-season training camp, Howe said: "I think is in a slightly different position with the competition in midfielder because it’s such a strong unit for us. "We may look to maybe open the loan market to him again."
Longstaff is now in the final year of his contract and in the past Newcastle have been known to loan fringe players out and extend their contracts before sending them off. When asked about that prospect, Howe said: "We’ll see what comes up for Matty.
"What he has shown in pre-season is a brilliant attitude. He’s brilliant around the group, loves Newcastle - he’s Newcastle through and through.
"He’s got a great relationship with his brother and the lads love him. We would open the door to him to maybe get football for his own benefit. We’ll wait and see."
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