Newcastle United midfielder Matty Longstaff has joined League Two side Colchester United until January. The 22-year-old was a surprise inclusion in the matchday squad for the clash with Liverpool on Wednesday evening but departed on a temporary basis in the final hours of the summer window.
Longstaff has struggled for game time under Eddie Howe and was always likely to leave after spending time in the under-23s over the summer and most of last season out on loan.
Longstaff enjoyed spells at both Aberdeen and Mansfield Town last term and attracted interest from a number of clubs this summer. With just one year left on his St James’s Park deal, Longstaff's long-term future on Tyneside is up in the air.
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The academy graduate could make his debut for the U's in their league clash with Hartlepool United on Saturday.
Speaking earlier this week, Howe admitted Longstaff was heading out of the club. "Yes, Matty will be one (to leave), obviously, and with the slightly younger players potentially there might be some movement," he said.
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