According to The Sun on Sunday (27/12, Page 56), reported Derby County and Nottingham Forest target Matty Longstaff is keen to leave Newcastle United on loan.
The 20-year-old midfielder played the full 90 minutes for Newcastle during Steve Bruce’s side’s 2-0 Boxing Day defeat against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium.
But that was Longstaff’s first Premier League start of the season.
According to The Sun on Sunday, the talented midfielder is keen for more game-time and is hoping to leave on loan in January with Championship clubs waiting in the wings.
The Chronicle name Derby and Forest as two clubs monitoring his situation.
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The east Midlands duo have struggled this season, with Sabri Lamouchi and Phillip Cocu both losing their jobs after desperately poor starts to the campaign.
Forest signed over ten players in the summer transfer window. However, the Reds still lack energy in midfield and Longstaff could be a good short-term solution.
Derby, meanwhile, are 22nd in the table and lack both creativity and goals.
A new striker and wide player will surely be a top priority for interim boss Wayne Rooney in January, but he may also wish to strengthen and have alternative options elsewhere.
Derby are well-stacked in midfield. Jason Knight, Graeme Shinnie and Krystian Bielik form a competitive midfield three full of energy, running and endeavour.
But beyond those the likes of Louie Sibley and Max Bird have struggled for form, while Duane Holmes still doesn’t look right after a lengthy spell with injury and fitness issues.
Longstaff has plenty of ability and would improve most Championship sides. Whether Newcastle amid their own struggles will allow him to leave, however, remains to be seen.
Also see: Report: Club make January decision over £200k ‘phenom’ wanted by Derby and QPR
Also see: Rooney responds to reports Derby want to sign Manchester United ace