Football journalist Alan Nixon has taken to Twitter to state that Watford are interested in signing Newcastle United midfielder Matty Longstaff on Deadline Day. 

The youngster has largely been out of favour under Steve Bruce this season, playing a part in just five games across all competitions, perhaps suggesting that his future on Tyneside could be in doubt.

Nixon goes on to state that a deal with the Hornets may only be struck if the Magpies themselves bring in a central midfield player of their own before the day is out, meaning any deal for the 20-year-old is on ice in the meantime.

After bursting onto the scene at first team level in recent years for the Premier League outfit, Longstaff has fallen down the pecking order and could well be looking for a way out this month.

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The player currently has just one year remaining on his current contract at St. James' Park.

The Verdict 

With James Garner having departed the club and Nathaniel Chalobah having been linked with a move to Leicester City recently, a deal for Longstaff could be a great move for the Hornets to round off January with a flourish.

The young midfield man has failed to build on his early showings in a black and white shirt and is in desperate need of regular game time, meaning a move to Vicarage Road could help to get him back on track.

Given that he has limited time left on his current contract, a move does appear to be more likely.

However I must note that it will greatly depend on Newcastle's ability to bring in a replacement for the player before the deadline, so it is a case of watch this space on this one.