Newcastle United boss Steve Bruce has revealed he is expecting a further round of talks with Matty Longstaff about his future.
Bruce held a meeting with Longstaff's representatives on Friday as the club continue to talk about a contract extension.
Longstaff's existing deal was extended until August 1 to allow him to play in the remaining Premier League games this season after lockdown.
But he has not been involved in a top-flight game since the 2-2 draw at Everton in January, featuring only in the FA Cup.
That could change in the midweek game with Manchester City with midfield injuries piling up for Bruce with Sean Longstaff and Isaac Hayden out with muscle injuries.
When asked how talks with the 20-year-old had gone, Bruce - who wants the player to sign a five-year contract, said: "They're still ongoing, so let's hope that before we clear off a the end of the season, we've got some clarity on it.
"I'll keep plugging away.
"Because as I keep saying for me, the boy should play his football here.
"Again, he's involved today, will be involved on Wednesday when we play Manchester City, so I hope we can get it over the line."
Longstaff is believed to have a deal on the table from Serie A side Udinese with the northern Italian side looking to stave off the lingering threat of relegation in their remaining games.
