Leeds United have not yet seen their third offer for Sean Longstaff accepted by Newcastle United, casting serious doubt over the likelihood of a deal being agreed.
Leeds’ business so far has seen them land four new signings, two of which look to be nailed-on starters for Daniel Farke and the other two shrewd transfers to build depth at the back and up front.
In midfield, Leeds’ targets have been public throughout the summer, with one of those being Sean Longstaff of Newcastle United.
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Leeds United hit impasse as £12million Sean Longstaff bid isn’t accepted by Newcastle United
Leeds’ interest in the 27-year-old Magpies midfielder has seen them lodge a third offer to sign him, this latest one amounting to £12million in total.
However, the latest update from The Athletic’s Beren Cross sees Leeds again not optimistic of brokering a deal, with Newcastle’s stance seeming to be looking for a higher sum for their academy graduate.
(Action Images via Reuters/Lee Smith)
As a result, Leeds are considering other targets at this stage and may walk away from talks with their Premier League rivals – of the alternatives Leeds are linked with, Hoffenheim’s Anton Stach appears the most prominent.
Should a bid be accepted from the St James’ Park end, a deal would be straightforward, as Longstaff is claimed to be keen on the move and has already agreed personal terms with Leeds.
Given Leeds’ current business has seen them target multiple players that are coming into the final year of their current contracts, Longstaff being one of those after Newcastle triggered a one-year extension, alternatives to the Geordie may follow that same route.
Players in the same situation regarding their contracts include: Amadou Haidara (RB Leipzig), Mathias Jensen (Brentford), Yacine Adli (AC Milan), Ross Barkley (Aston Villa), and multiple others that could be viable signings to add top-flight experience and quality to the side.
Leeds United ought to move on from Sean Longstaff interest after latest blow
Longstaff at £12million was an idea that I warmed to the more I gave it thought based on our overall recruitment, but going higher would be foolish.
We don’t want to drag out a deal that we thought would have been a nice bargain and overpay for a player that might not even be a guaranteed starter.
The other options that would offer us the same defensive output and energy mean that we shouldn’t put our eggs in one basket.
Longstaff would have been good for the price, but he’s not the player we need to be heavily relying on to kick our midfield into the next gear.