NEWCASTLE United have ended any speculation over Sean Longstaff’s potential departure this summer after the player has put pen-to-paper on a fresh three year deal at the club.

The 24-year-old, who came through the academy, was free to leave in the summer but has followed in the footsteps of Fabian Schar and Paul Dummett in recent weeks as he signed a new deal.

Head coach Eddie Howe has made his intentions clear to keep Longstaff at the club and he has started four out of their last five league games of the season.

Howe said: "It's great news that Sean has committed his future to the club. He is a great professional and an outstanding player who is incredibly passionate about playing for Newcastle United.

"His attitude and commitment since I arrived have been first class on and off the pitch and he played a big part in us climbing the table and finishing the season as strongly as we did.

"At 24, he has his best years ahead of him and I'm excited to see his development continuing."

Longstaff will be competing for a place in the team with Bruno Guimaraes, Joelinton, Jonjo Shelvey and Joe Willock in midfield while the club are preparing to carry out transfer plans in the summer for new additions. However, the North Shields born player is delighted to finally sign a deal.

He said: "I'm over the moon. To sign for three more years at your hometown club - especially with the way the club's going and what the owners are putting in place - is really special for me and my family, and a day I'll never forget.

"You need to be in the right place to learn and keep improving, and since the first day the new manager's come in, I've loved every second of working with him.

"Being able to work with him every day, and his staff, they always want to help you get better and I think that's the biggest thing for me. I speak to the manager loads, and he's assured me that he wants to keep helping me improve and the goals he thinks I can achieve.

"They align with what I think I can achieve as well. It's really special. Everyone is moving in the same direction and I'm looking forward to being a part of it."