Matty Longstaff is set to join Udinese after being offered £30k a week – double Newcastle's valuation. The England U21 midfielder is out of contract at the end of the season and has held talks with the Italian club.
The current regime at St James' Park refuse to match the deal, and the only hope of Geordie Longstaff staying is if a takeover is completed and new owners move to protect their asset.
Newcastle will only be due around £400,000 compensation for developing Longstaff whose brother Sean is also looking for a new deal on Tyneside.
The club now has a major dilemma and may have to pay over the odds in wages to keep the youngster and ensure they keep an player who under contract could develop into a £20m-plus first team regular.
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