Steve Bruce is hoping Matty Longstaff could still have a future at Newcastle United - after insisting he wants to see him back at the club for pre-season next month.
The midfielder's contract runs out on August 1 after he signed a short-term extension after the lockdown.
Longstaff was in the stands for the 3-1 defeat against Liverpool but this was due to a thigh injury picked up in training.
When asked about Longstaff, Bruce, speaking in his last Press conference of the season, said: "I hope he stays one way or the other, whether there’s a takeover or not.
"I don’t think the takeover’s going to influence that."
When asked about Longstaff's injury, Bruce added: "Matty hurt his thigh. He’s had problems with that since he came back, so I was never going to risk him.
"Thankfully his brother (Sean) was OK, but I don’t think Matty Longstaff’s situation will depend on whether there’s going to be a takeover or not.
"I’m still hoping he’ll still be a Newcastle player when I come back."
Longstaff is wanted by Serie A side Udinese while there were links with Bundesliga side Schalke 04 over the weekend.
