Newcastle United midfielder Sean Longstaff is one of the players on Leeds United’s summer shortlist.
Leeds United have been eyeing Sean Longstaff for some time now. Longstaff was first linked to Leeds back in March 2024 and Leeds could sign Longstaff due to his availability.
It has been reported previously that Leeds want a £10 million deal for Longstaff as they look to add a midfielder into their engine room to compete with Ao Tanaka and Ethan Ampadu.
Should Leeds sign him, they will be getting a player Sandro Tonali believes is very underrated. In some recent updates, a rationale for Leeds signing Longstaff has emerged as well. However, he’s not the only midfielder they like.
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Sean Longstaff and Joe Willock are both targets for Leeds United
In terms of deeper midfielders, Longstaff is expected to have more Leeds interest after missing out on Habib Diarra. However, Leeds also need a more attack-minded midfielder.
Newcastle may have the answer in the form of another out of favour player in Eddie Howe’s engine room. Darren Witcoop of TEAMtalk has revealed Joe Willock is a target for Leeds.
His report states that Willock has been discussed by Leeds as an alternative option, should Leeds miss out on Manor Solomon. He was signed by Newcastle in 2021 after an initial loan, costing the Magpies £25 million (Sky Sports)
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Leeds are admirers of Willock’s versatility as he can operate as an attacking midfielder or off the flank, but Witcoop states that Crystal Palace are keeping tabs on Willock in the likely event Eberechi Eze is lured away this summer.
Not only that but London-born Willock also favours a return to the capital rather than West Yorkshire and his exit could be hastened if Newcastle prise Anthony Elanga from Nottingham Forest as well.
Longstaff is also mentioned as a target in the report, with Leeds said to be monitoring the situation of both players currently.
Sean Longstaff claims Joe Willock is underrated
During an appearance on The Rest Is Football podcast back in October, Longstaff spoke about the Newcastle midfield, and admitted that he thinks Willock is underrated.
“Honestly, we played Man United away two seasons ago, and I think they had Casemiro and Fred and [Newcastle had] Joelinton and Bruno,” he said.
“And there was like four Brazilian internationals and me playing midfield. I was like, what’s going on here?
“But we actually are blessed to have a really, really strong midfielder. I think obviously with Sandro coming back, he’s a big help. And I think probably the most underrated one is Joe Willock.
“I think when he’s fit, he’s so, so vital to us. The way he carries the ball — he’s so athletic. He doesn’t think too much in terms of… he’s always willing to take risks and try things, which I think makes him so good.
“Lewis Miley as well — it’s a good blend of youth and experience. And yeah, we’ll push each other every day to be better. I’m biased, but I think it’s definitely one of the strongest parts of our team.”