Matty Longstaff has been ordered to show “common sense” and not walk out on Newcastle United over his contract dispute.
The teenage midfielder is out of contract in the summer and can strike a deal for next season with any club now – and the Geordies would get just £400,000 in compensation.
Longstaff has become a regular in Steve Bruce's side alongside brother Sean, but is currently earning just £1,000-a-week.
Sean is also after a pay rise. He made his first team breakthrough just weeks after signing a new deal last December that now doesn't reflect his current status in the squad.
The bargaining power of the pair is increased because they could decide on family solidarity if both are not rewarded.
Matty has been linked with Italian giants Milan, while Sean was priced out of a £30m move to Manchester United in the summer after Ole Gunnar Solskjaer ruled it wasn't good value.
Bruce has reacted to the brewing row and admitted it is a “concern” that Newcastle could lose their home grown assets.
He said: “It’s a concern for us all, of course it is. I hope we can get that tied up, I really do. But, they’ve got the power these days, the players.
“We see it often now, with young players as well. I hope there’s a bit of common sense.
“There’s nobody, at 19, played more games than Matty. He’s got an opportunity. If he’s fit, he plays (against Oxford).”
On Sean's contract, Bruce added: “I really don’t know where they’re up to in terms of that. I don’t know.”
“We always want to keep your best young players, especially if they’re Geordies, of course. Let’s hope they both get tied up.
“In all of it, with Matty in particular, at 19, has now played 11, 12 times. I’ve dipped him in and out. I can’t see another 19-year-old playing (regularly at PL level).”
