This article is part of Football League World's 'The Verdict' series, which provides personal opinions from the FLW writers regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more...

Derby County are among several Championship sides keeping tabs on the situation of Newcastle United midfielder Matty Longstaff, as per Chronicle Live.

The Rams are joined by Nottingham Forest in the hunt for the 20-year-old midfielder who could be set for a temporary departure from St James' Park in the new year, with him struggling for game time in Steve Bruce's side.

Longstaff has played just 29 minutes so far this season for the Magpies and a loan switch in January could be an ideal way for him to amass first-team minutes to aid his development.

So, what do you make of this news from a Rams perspective? Would Longstaff be a good addition to the east Midlands outfit?

The team here at FLW discuss...

Chris Thorpe

This is an interesting one as the Rams are still yet to have appointed a new manager, therefore it would be silly to say that they would definitely be looking at bringing him in.

I think once a new man is appointed and we get an idea of what tactics he's going to pluck for, we'll begin to see where Longstaff could fit in at Pride Park.

Of course he'd be a solid signing for Championship level - you don't attract interest from the likes of Udinese in Italy if you don't have a bit about you.

He would add youth and a bit more guile to the Derby midfield and for that reason he would be a strong addition if the club did indeed make a move.

 

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Phil Spencer

I could definitely see Matty Longstaff playing for Derby.

He's a young, ambitious footballer who players with no fear whatsoever - something that supporters will love.

His debut goal against Manchester United showed that he's a player for the big occasion and I can certainly see him being a success for the Rams.

Longstaff needs first team football and by playing under Wayne Rooney I could see him really kicking on as a player.

They definitely need to get this deal done, and hopefully he can help the club to move away from trouble.

Jacob Potter

I like the sound of this.

Longstaff isn't getting anywhere near enough game time with the Newcastle first-team, so I'm not surprised to hear that he's attracting interest heading into the January transfer window.

He'll be eager to make a name for himself as well, and is exactly the type of player that Derby need at the moment.

They've struggled in this year's campaign, and could certainly benefit from signing players that are capable of challenging for a spot in the starting XI, which Longstaff would be.

They face a tough battle to land his signature though, especially given the position they find themselves in at the moment in the Championship.

This would be a very good bit of business if they can get a deal over the line.