MATTY LONGSTAFF’S long-term contract situation has not changed, despite the midfielder having signed a short-term extension that will enable him to complete the season with Newcastle United.

Longstaff has agreed to remain on the Magpies’ books for the remainder of the current campaign, and while he is still completing his recovery from injury, he is expected to be involved in his side’s last seven league matches.

Beyond that, however, he is still set to leave Tyneside as a free agent, with Italian side Udinese still regarded as favourites to sign him after holding a series of discussions earlier this year.

Magpies boss Steve Bruce said: “It’s the same as we are. Now, the ball is certainly in young Matty’s hands. I’ve gone public with it – I think we’ve made him a wonderful offer, and for me, that should be his way forward in his career.

“I’ve said it many times that being a Newcastle lad, and having had the season he’s just had, now it’s his way forward.

“Of course, we would all love him to stay, but as young as he is, the players now, it’s their prerogative if they want to run down their contract, then there’s nothing much more we can do as a club.

“We’ve done everything we possibly can, the rest is now up to Matty, for him to decide.”

While the younger of the two Longstaff brothers is still to announce his decision on his long-term future, Andy Carroll and Javier Manquillo signed new deals earlier this week.

Carroll has penned a one-year extension, while Manquillo has committed himself to St James’ Park for the next four seasons, and Bruce is delighted to have the duo on board.

He said: “As far as Andy is concerned, we saw his influence straight away the other night when he came onto the pitch. If he can get himself fit and keep himself right, then he’s going to be an addition to any Premier League team because he’s something different.

“He came on in the week and made a goal, and that’s a few times now he’s influenced games for us. Also, in the dressing room, he’s not the young Andy Carroll any more, he’s someone people look up to, especially young people like the Longstaffs.

“Even for the age of him and the problems he’s had, he still knocked on my door the other day and asked why he wasn’t in the first XI. I was quietly pleased that he still had that hunger about. He still wanted to be Newcastle’s number nine.

“As for Javier, I’m delighted. He’s been terrific since I first walked through the door. He’s been consistent, he’s done very, very well. He’s got huge competition in (DeAndre) Yedlin and Emil (Krafth). He’s grasped the opportunity and played very well, so I’m delighted that he’s signed his contract.”