Leeds United will assess their midfield options in the transfer market after being knocked back in their pursuit of Sean Longstaff.
It has been verified that a third bid of £12million - which included an initial £10m fee and £2m in add-ons - has in fact been rejected by Newcastle United, though there has been an indication that the player himself will not be quick to close the door on Leeds.
Longstaff, who has a year left on his Magpies contract, could be set for a higher wage packet at Elland Road upon a switch. Sources close to the situation at St James’ Park have outlined that Newcastle might still be willing to sell for the right price. It’s unclear at this stage whether Leeds will oblige.
Longstaff, who has 171 Premier League appearances aged 27, started just eight top-flight games last season - none of which came after the new year - and the Magpies risk losing him for nothing if he does not move on in the next two windows.
It’s thought the player is open to leaving this summer, which would allow Newcastle to gain a fee and pure profit for their academy product. While a potential deal does not seem totally dead in the water just yet, Leeds have been stubborn over pricing this summer and may look at other midfield targets.
Anton Stach is a player the club admire but are not overly confident of landing at this stage. The Hoffenheim talent is being pursued by a number of rivals and Leeds anticipate a long drawn-out affair given the options he will have to choose from.
United have been keen not to overpay for a potential signing. For example, Leeds were in the market for Habib Diarra but were unwilling to improve their £22million bid before Sunderland swooped in with a £30m package.
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United have a three-year spending loss cap of £61m, which is the joint-lowest in the Premier League with all 17 non-promoted teams allowed a £105m threshold.
Leeds chairman Paraag Marathe has pledged to maximise these limits, though the club nevertheless need to cut their cloth accordingly with a plethora of signings still needed ahead of deadline day.
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