Newcastle looking to secure Dummett, Longstaff with long-term deals

NEWCASTLE, UK: Newcastle United are looking to tie down homegrown duo Paul Dummett and Sean Longstaff to fresh, long-term deals.

The Geordie pair both see their United deals come to an end in June and will become free agents if no new terms are agreed.

And while talks remain ongoing between club and players, head coach Eddie Howe has revealed he is hopeful Longstaff and Dummett will follow Fabian Schar in committing their futures to the football club.

On whether he wanted Longstaff to pen a new deal, Howe said: “Yes, certainly with Sean. We’ve been talking with him and his representatives for a while. We hope to reach a successful conclusion there.

“Paul Dummett, as I said last week, I want him to stay. Fingers crossed we can find a positive resolution,” he added.

Another defender whose future on Tyneside remains uncertain is Matt Targett.

While speculation has been rife that the Magpies agreed a purchase option as part of the deal that brought Targett north from Aston Villa, official sources are yet to confirm the existence of such a clause.

And despite the player’s popularity with the fanbase, after some impressive displays at left-back, it is far from a given that United will look to turn the loan permanent in the summer.

Club scouts have been tasked with running the rule over a number of more high-profile, continental options on the left, with Atletico Madrid and Brazil full-back Renan Lodi believed to be interesting club talent spotters.

On the situation with Targett, Howe said: “No discussions on that while we’re still in season. We’re being very respectful to Aston Villa and their part in loaning us Matt. We’ll make that decision at the end of the season.”

While all the talk is of new beginnings ahead