Leeds United’s attempts to strengthen in midfield look to have them focused on Sean Longstaff of Newcastle United first, but could see them also pursue Anton Stach more aggressively.
Ethan Ampadu and Ao Tanaka is definitely a midfield that could hold their own in the Premier League, but it goes without saying that the Whites need more investment in that area of the pitch.
Joe Rothwell’s loan expiry means there is a lack of depth and ‘number eight’ options present to Daniel Farke, meaning investment is required.
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Sean Longstaff closing in on £12million Leeds United transfer after Newcastle United talks
Links to Newcastle United midfielder Sean Longstaff have been present since very early in the window after Leeds secured promotion, but significant progress has been made at the start of this week.
The Athletic’s David Ornstein revealed that Leeds’ third offer for the Magpies midfielder is being considered, amounting to £10million plus a further £2million in add-ons.
(REUTERS/Isabel Infantes)
Longstaff is into the final year of his contract at St James’ Park and is likely to be down the pecking order as Eddie Howe prepares for Champions League football again.
Personal terms are also “in place” between Leeds and the 27-year-old, meaning a fee agreement would be the final hurdle before the 49ers push through the transfer.
Does Sean Longstaff interest mean Leeds United won’t sign Anton Stach as well?
The pending agreement between Leeds and Newcastle over Longstaff does pose a question around whether the club will continue to pursue heavily-linked Hoffenheim midfielder Anton Stach.
(REUTERS/Heiko Becker)
Stach, a 26-year-old, 6ft4in defensive midfielder, is also on the radar for Leeds to pursue this summer, and he remains a target despite what is transpiring with Longstaff.
That’s according to Sky Sports journalist Zinny Boswell, who claims that Leeds’ successful capture of Longstaff would not rule out a move for Stach, who would be a target regardless of the former joining:
“Understand this – if successful – doesn’t necessarily rule out Leeds United signing midfielder Anton Stach at Hoffenheim. There has been contact already. #LUFC spend would be just over £40m on five signings if Sean Longstaff joins. Striker & goalkeeper still to be signed, too,” he wrote on X.
Sean Longstaff and Anton Stach would add necessary bite to Leeds United’s midfield
You can see clear as day what Leeds are trying to do with their recruitment so far, and that’s becoming much more physically imposing to match the athleticism of the Premier League.
In doing so, Farke will be looking to make Leeds much harder to beat than previous promoted sides have been, which is a much better way of going about it.
Longstaff and Stach would be too signings to really beef up the side in midfield, where a lot of these battles are going to take place.