By Pete O'Rourke, Transfer Correspondent

7th Oct, 2023 | 10:00am

Sources: Newcastle offering Longstaff 'big' pay hike as talks open

Newcastle United have opened talks with midfielder Sean Longstaff over a new contract, sources have told Football Insider.

A well-placed source has told Football Insider the 25-year-old is in line for a “big pay rise” after establishing himself in the Magpies team.

Longstaff only signed a new agreement last year, penning an improved deal after previously being the lowest-paid member of the first-team squad at St James’ Park.

The home-grown star is currently out of contract in June 2025.

He is now set for another uplift which will take him into the next salary bracket at the club, reflecting his growing importance to Eddie Howe’s side.

Longstaff capped off his wonderful growth under Howe with a goal as Newcastle beat Paris Saint-Germain 4-1 in the Champions League on Wednesday (4 October).

He started that game and has now played 90 minutes in each of the Magpies’ last five games in Premier League and European competition.

The South Shields-born star has racked up nine appearances this term, notching two goals and one assist.

He played 41 times across all competitions in the 2022-23 campaign, notching three goals and four assists.

Longstaff has continued to be a regular for Howe despite the mega-money summer arrival of Italy international Sandro Tonali.

The midfielder, who polished his trade with early-career loans at Blackpool and Kilmarnock, has now turned out 145 times for Newcastle – notching 10 goals and 10 assists.

Howe’s side are next in action against West Ham on Sunday (8 October).

The Magpies have picked up 12 from a possible 21 points in the Premier League this season and have won each of their last three top-flight games.

In other news, Newcastle plot January striker signing – but it’s not Ivan Toney.