Eddie Howe believes that Sean Longstaff's contract situation at Newcastle United may not be resolved until after the window has closed.
The midfielder has been linked strongly with Rafa Benitez's Everton in the window but started last weekend's FA Cup tie against Cambridge United.
Howe was asked directly about Longstaff's future with his current deal set to expire at the end of the window.
He said: "January is very, very intense for everyone connected with the club, and trust me, this has been the most intense January I’ve experienced.
"So, in terms of our current players that are out of contract, that may well have to wait until the end of January when we know we’re secure in what we’ve done.
"Sean has a long-term future at this football club.
"I’ve been impressed with him since I’ve come in.
"He’s been committed, he’s trained well and he’s earned his place in the team. He got an opportunity against Man United, and I thought he was excellent.
"I thought the team weren’t particularly good against Cambridge, so we’re looking for a response from the team, and Sean is part of that team."
