Longstaff has been a bystander for much of the season, with the most recent of his eight Premier League starts having come back in early December.
Unlike in previous campaigns, when the 27-year-old has formed a key part of Howe’s plans, Longstaff has become an increasingly peripheral presence this term, finding himself on the sidelines despite last summer’s departure of Elliot Anderson and the injury issues that have ruled out Lewis Miley for big chunks of the season.
His lack of involvement has led to increased speculation over his future given that he is set to enter the final year of his current deal on Tyneside this summer.
Selling Longstaff would make a lot of sense from a Newcastle perspective given that he would be able to leave as a free agent in just over 12 months’ time if he was to remain at St James’ Park for the remainder of his contract. In addition, his status as an academy product means that any money raised from his sale would count as pure profit in PSR calculations.
Newcastle are expected to be open to offers for the North Shields-born midfielder this summer, but ultimately, Longstaff will have to decide whether he wants to move on or remain on the Magpies’ books for another 12 months even though his first-team opportunities are likely to remain limited.
“Sean has a contract for next year, so the control is very much in his hands in terms of what he wants to do with his long-term future,” said Howe. “But we’re certainly delighted to have him as one of our players.”
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Longstaff has not even got off the bench in Newcastle’s last two games, and while he has always spoken of his pride at representing his hometown team, the North-Easterner is bound to have been upset at his lack of involvement.
Be that as it may, Howe insists it is not his job to soften the blow of Longstaff’s demotion or attempt to motivate the midfielder.
“I don’t think I have to motivate him,” he said. “I shouldn’t have to motivate him, he should motivate himself. He’s here representing the club that he loves, so there should be no issue with motivation.
“He has to be ready to take a chance when it comes. I think any train of thought I have to motivate anyone, I can’t do that with 25 players.
“Sean is motivated. He’s been brilliant behind the scenes and he is training well. He’s got undoubted qualities.”
