Newcastle midfielder Matty Longstaff was linked with a move to Nottingham Forest during the summer transfer window. On Saturday, starred as Mansfield Town beat Bradford 2-0 in front of nearly 17,000 at Valley Parade.
The youngster’s career has been the subject of some intrigue. Both Forest and Derby wanted Longstaff in the summer, but he ended up signing for Aberdeen on a six-month loan.
That loan spell didn’t prove particularly fruitful and was sent back to Newcastle after making just five senior appearances.
Nigel Clough pulled off a real coup by signing the talented 21-year-old. He joined on deadline day and the Stags haven’t lost for three months.
Mansfield are looking to close down the top three and given the current form they look certainties to realise their promotion dream.
Longstaff arriving only enhances their credentials and on Saturday he helped himself to a goal as the Stags made it an unhappy start for Bantams gaffer Mark Hughes.
Longstaff was largely impressive on Saturday. Although he’s considered a young talent, he does have 14 Premier League appearances to his name for Newcastle.
That level of experience could be useful for Mansfield and they hope to secure a place in League One next season.
Clough could be perfect for former Forest target Longstaff
It does seem unlikely that Longstaff will remain on Forest’s radar. The Championship seemed like an ideal place for him to head on loan in the summer but it never transpired.
Now, he’s facing a fight to rediscover the sort of form that saw him score twice against Manchester United during the 2019/20 campaign.
Clough is a master at getting the best out of talented players though and he will give Longstaff the confidence to star at One Call Stadium.
Chris Hughton was pretty eager to sign Longstaff at Forest. As a result, his move to Aberdeen did seem like a bit of a strange one.
Longstaff is a likeable player and former Forest star Clough could be absolutely perfect for him at this stage of his career.