Kevin Phillips would be thrilled if West Brom sign Matty Longstaff
We’re delighted to welcome former West Brom striker Kevin Phillips as our exclusive columnist. Each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at The Hawthorns…
Kevin Phillips would be thrilled if West Brom sign Matty Longstaff on loan from Newcastle United this summer.
Last week, the Newcastle Chronicle reported that Longstaff, 21, has been made available for a loan move so he can earn invaluable first-team experience away from St James’ Park.
It is understood that at least 10 teams are interested in signing the central midfielder, including the Baggies.
Ex-Albion striker Phillips believes new manager Valerien Ismael should be able to get the best out of Longstaff if he does eventually head to The Hawthorns.
Speaking in an interview with West Brom News, Super Kev said: “He’s young, he’s got ability and probably hasn’t played the amount of football he would have liked.
“I think he needs to go somewhere and play regularly. If that was at West Brom then I’d be happy with that.
“He’s a good player and as he’s young, he’s still developing and learning.
“We saw how Ismael got the best out of his players at Barnsley so getting in a young player like that and playing him could make him a good signing.”
Longstaff turned 21-years-old earlier this year but has only made 20 senior appearances in his career as he’s yet to be loaned out by Newcastle.
Last season, the young midfielder played just five times for the Magpies with all five of those appearances coming in the Premier League.
West Brom’s lack of options in the centre of the midfield are well publicised and while we’d rather err on the side of caution by completing more loan deals, to add a bit of extra depth to the side, it wouldn’t be an awful signing.
In other West Brom news, Albion want to sign this player who scored against them last season.
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