Newcastle boss Steve Bruce has suggested the future of Everton target Sean Longstaff could hinge on those above him at St James' Park.
The Toffees remain interested in the midfielder and a January move could be a possibility.
The 23-year-old’s current deal expires at the end of the season meaning he can start talking to clubs in the new year and walk away from for nothing in the summer.
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And on Friday, Bruce said he is not the person in control of sorting a new deal.
When asked about Longstaff’s future, the Magpies boss told Chronicle Live : "There's nothing I can do with anybody that gets linked.
"Sean is playing very well at the moment. I have been very, very pleased with him.
"So as far as I am aware, the contract details, we understand, that is for other people to sort out. Not me.
"But he is playing very well which is important for Sean.”
As the ECHO reported on Thursday, Everton’s summer interest in Longstaff has not gone away.
The Toffees believe he will be available for a cut-price deal in the next transfer window with time on his current deal ticking down.
Blues boss Rafa Benitez was the man who handed Longstaff his Premier League debut during his time with the Magpies and could be set to reunite with the player.
Tom Davies had been mentioned in a possible swap deal, however the Everton man, who remains under contract until 2023, was not keen on leaving Goodison Park while the club believe he holds higher market value than Longstaff.
On Friday, speaking ahead of the visit of Norwich, Benitez revealed he has spoken to Everton owner Farhad Moshiri and there will be money to spend in January.
Asked if funds would be available following a frugal summer in which four out of the club's signings arrived for free, the Spaniard replied: “Yeah, I think so.
“I had that conversation yesterday with Mr Moshiri. It's just to be sure we do things the right way, they are very keen to spend the money and improve the team."
