Newcastle United decide to exercise contract clause which comes into effect in December

The speculation over the January transfer window is starting to heat up but Newcastle United don't just need to worry about incoming players.

The Magpies are close to losing a few stars for free in the summer if they don't activate contract extensions soon.

The likes of Callum Wilson and Sean Longstaff will be able to discuss pre-contract agreements with other clubs in January ahead of a summer move.

However, at least one of those players is unlikely to be able to do so.

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Newcastle United are set to offer Sean Longstaff a new contract

We reported this week that Newcastle are considering a contract extension for Sean Longstaff after the academy product has made himself an important part of Eddie Howe's side - The Magpies are yet to lose this season when Sean Longstaff has started the game.

Now The Daily Mail are reporting that the club will indeed move to extend his deal by another year when his clause becomes active in December.

It's a 12-month stay of execution for Longstaff who many believe isn't good enough for the level we are aiming for - and it's a narrative we have been guilty of pedalling many times.

Sean Longstaff may feel aggrieved at only being given a one year extension

The reality is, Longstaff is never going to be that player that you rave about after a match unless he manages to score a worldie.

His style is to graft and be a nuisance, to create space for the flair players. That's what he does well. With the ball at his feet he's much less effective than someone like Bruno Guimaraes, Sandro Tonali or Joe Willock, but off the ball he pulls opposition players all over the pitch, creating avenues for the creatives to exploit.

It's a thankless task that Longstaff does well, and his reward is often the likes of, well, me, ranting about how he isn't good enough. I'm man enough to admit when I'm wrong, and I see his value now, so I'm actually disappointed the club are only giving him another year when he's probably earned a longer deal.

Mind you, a misplaced pass or two on Sunday and he's gonna get it in my write up!