Newcastle United are debating whether to accept an offer from Leeds United for Sean Longstaff - and another midfielder could be next.
Leeds United are reportedly considering a swoop for Newcastle United midfielder Joe Willock.
Just days after news broke about Sean Longstaff heading for a likely exit, the Whites are rumoured to be targeting a second Toon star. Willock started just 12 Premier League games last season as Sandro Tonali, Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton took centre stage.
As for Longstaff, he has not started a top-flight game since the 4-2 defeat to Brentford in December. Both players were integral during the Champions League qualification campaign two years ago but have fallen down the pecking order at St James’ Park.
Newcastle United midfielder exodus?
NewcastleWorld understands an agreement is close for Longstaff, who is open to a move to pursue first-team football. Leeds is a preferred destination due to the distance as he has a young family in the North East.
Any sale - with Leeds’ latest offer worth around £12million - would also generate pure profit on the Toon balance sheet. Should Longstaff leave, selling Willock may be a surprise given Newcastle’s options in midfield.
The Magpies would almost certainly need to recruit another body in the engine room ahead of a Champions League campaign. CaughtOffside claim Leeds are eyeing a double swoop for the duo following their Premier League return.
Unlike Longstaff, whose contract situation is precarious, Willock - who earns around £80,000 per week - has two years left on his current deal. However, anything close to the £25million paid four years ago might tempt the Magpies into a sale.
‘No excuse’ - Eddie Howe
Eddie Howe admitted Willock was out of form when grilled by the media following his return to the team in May. He told reporters: "I get the point and, to a degree, you’re right. Joe is a player of rhythm. He is an attacking player who, to play his best game, has to execute a lot of things physically.
“If you’re not quite 100 per cent match fit, that is difficult to do. I think he has looked better with each game. But then, I’ll have four or five other players saying exactly the same, 'I need games to get my best form'.
“But what I always say in response is you should get your match sharpness and rhythm from training because of how we train. Really, there should be no excuses from anyone, they should be able to come in and hit the ground running."
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Eddie Howe on Sean Longstaff
The Toon boss also dropped a huge hint on Longstaff’s long-term future. He said: “His role is to be ready to play, be ready to come on, and I've trusted him in big games where he has come on and played his part. His long-term future is slightly more unclear but behind the scenes Sean has been good."
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