Newcastle United have a Champions League dilemma to contend with should Sean Longstaff be sold this summer.
Newcastle United may need to get creative in the transfer market should Sean Longstaff leave this summer.
It is understood that Leeds United are close to signing the North Shields native for around £12million. Longstaff has amassed over 200 appearances for his boyhood club but was a bit-part player last season.
Newcastle United consider £12m offer
Leeds view Longstaff as a seasoned Premier League operator who can help the club stabilise in the division. The 27-year-old battled relegation early in his Toon career before competing at the upper echelons of the table.
Champions League appearances would make Longstaff one of the Whites’ most experienced players. NewcastleWorld understands the two clubs are in negotiations and Toon chiefs are considering a £12million offer - with the midfielder having one year left on his current deal.
Longstaff is open to pursuing first-team football and wants the Magpies to receive a transfer fee rather than run his contract down for the remaining year. The location is also key, with the Toon ace having a young family in the North East.
Champions League quota
However, selling Longstaff would also cause a headache given UEFA’s strict quota - a consequence St James’ Park bosses are wary of. The midfielder is the only Newcastle star who qualifies for the club-trained policy.
Rules stipulate that sides must name four players who spent at least three years at the club between the ages of 15 and 21. Those under 21 do not count - meaning Lewis Miley will not take up a squad place.
Likewise, veteran goalkeeper Mark Gillespie was released by Newcastle at 16. Failing to do so will see clubs lose a squad member for each club-trained player missing.
For example, should Longstaff leave, the Magpies could only list a 21-man setup. There have been suggestions Newcastle could sign a former academy graduate - like Fraser Forster - to free up a slot elsewhere.
Read More
Eddie Howe on Sean Longstaff
Howe hinted at Longstaff possibly being sold towards the back end of last season. He told reporters: “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."
Continue Reading