Serie A side Udinese are set to reignite their interest in Newcastle United’s in-demand midfielder Matty Longstaff this summer, according to Corriere dello Sport.

Longstaff is a player that is attracting plenty of transfer interest once again this summer with the midfielder facing an uncertain future at Newcastle after managing to make just five appearances for Steve Bruce’s side in the Premier League last season.

It has been reported by Chronicle Live that Derby are keeping tabs on Longstaff’s situation heading into the transfer window as they aim to bolster the options that Wayne Rooney has available to him.

That comes after previous reports from Football Insider suggested the 21-year-old is keen to leave St James’ Park this summer after not being handed enough first-team chances.

It was reported by Sky Sports last summer that Udinese were interested in bringing Longstaff to Italy and that they had even made a contract offer to him to tempt him away from Newcastle. However, in the end, he remained at St James’ Park.

It is now being reported by Corriere dello Sport that the Italian side are ready to reignite their interest in Longstaff this summer and try and make a successful move for him this time around. That suggests that Derby are set to face fierce competition for the 21-year-old’s signature.

The verdict

This is a major potential blow for Derby and if Udinese are back in for Longstaff then it will make their chances of securing any potential deal for the midfielder very difficult this summer. The Rams would have been hoping they could lead the chase for the 21-year-old and try and complete a deal for him as soon as they possibly can, but this update complicates things.

Longstaff looks set to leave Newcastle this summer, whether that be on a permanent transfer or a loan deal with him being unhappy with his lack of game time. He would be an excellent signing for Derby to make especially considering the position the Rams are in at the moment.

Udinese though are likely to be an attractive proposition for Longstaff this summer. They can offer him the chance to continue playing top-flight football and provide him with a potentially major platform to get his career really up and running. The Italian side would probably also be able to offer more by way of wages as well so Derby might have to brace for disappointment here.