Alan Shearer has urged Newcastle United to do 'everything they can' to tie Matty Longstaff down to a new deal at the club.
The midfielder's current contract runs out in the summer - with both Milan clubs linked with a free move - and despite some talks going on, no extension has been agreed.
The 19-year-old scored on his debut against Manchester United, and has impressed in the handful of appearances this season.
Shearer, when asked about Longstaff's future said: "Absolutely not [can they afford to let him go]
"It's his 11th start this evening, 6th in the Premier League so in terms of starting games there's not been that many but in terms of ability he's shown enough in that short time to show that Newcastle should really do everything they can, especially with him being a local lad - we know how much that means to the fans - to keep hold of him.
"Contracts are always going to be difficult, we know what agents can be like but I really, really hope Newcastle can sign him up."
United boss Steve Bruce admitted earlier this week that he was worried about the situation surround the future of Longstaff, and his brother Sean.
