The Magpies academy graduate’s current deal at St. James’ Park is set to expire at the end of this season, but the club are keen to keep hold of him.
Longstaff and the Tyneside giants have been locked in negotiations for several months, while Howe has stressed the need to have him at his disposal beyond this season.
And the Newcastle boss has revealed that he is expecting Longstaff to put pen-to-paper on fresh terms at the club imminently.
Asked about Longstaff’s contract situation, Howe told a press conference: “I expect a positive resolution from Sean so fingers crossed it’s very close to being done.”
Howe stressed that he is not in charge of sorting out contract situations of players on a daily basis, but is hoping his club can a get a new deal over the line for Longstaff.
“I’m not actually day to day in charge of that, but fingers crossed we can get that over the line.”
While Newcastle are inching closer to ensuring Longstaff remains at the club, they are prepared to listen to offers for a number of their fringe players in the summer as they look to recompose their squad with young signings in the forthcoming window.
