MATTY LONGSTAFF will leave Newcastle on loan in the next week, with Steve Bruce having told the midfielder he thinks he would benefit from a season away from St James’ Park.

The younger of the two Longstaff brothers has struggled to hold down a first-team spot in the last 12 months, with his development having been hampered by a troublesome thigh injury that limited his involvement last season.

He is yet to make a senior appearance this season, and did not even make the 20-man squad for Saturday’s 2-0 defeat at Aston Villa, so Bruce will listen to offers for a loan move.

A number of Championship clubs have already been in touch, with a switch to the second tier likely to be tied up before the weekend.

“It’s (a loan) something that we’ve decided might be best for Matty,” said Bruce. “I’ve had that conversation with him.

“We’ll see in the next week, but we’ve had one or two inquiries. We’re hoping something will happen with him in the next couple of days.”