Steve Bruce has confirmed Newcastle remain in talks and are hopeful brothers Sean and Matty Longstaff will sign new contracts. The Magpies boss spoke out about the prospect of the club handing out more deals in the near future after Slovakia international goalkeeper Martin Dubravka penned a six-year contract on Thursday.
Bruce has made no secret of his desire to keep the Longstaff pair given the effective partnership they have struck up in the midfield engine room in the absence of the suspended Isaac Hayden over the past three games.
When quizzed on whether a breakthrough is close on either or both players, the 58-year-old revealed that managing director Lee Charnley is in discussions with their agent.
Bruce added: “But these things don’t take one day any more. With Martin, it’s taken the best part of two-and-a-half months. I’m quietly confident we will get there. “They are two young lads who have obviously got a big, big future and we want to tie them up as best we can.”
Bruce also took the time to reflect on Dubravaka’s decision to pen a long-term contract at St James’ Park this week.
The 30-year-old arrived at St James’ Park on an initial loan deal from Sparta Prague in January last year and has established himself as a fixture under both Bruce and predecessor Rafael Benitez.
Dubravka was virtually unknown in England when Benitez brought him to the Premier League and then handed him a permanent deal, but he has since established himself as a hugely reliable performer.
Bruce said Dubravka has enjoyed a “wonderful few months” since he took charge and as it is “essential” for clubs to have a quality number one between the sticks so he is delighted he has agreed a new contract.
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