Newcastle United have rejected an offer worth around £12million from Leeds United for Sean Longstaff.
Newcastle United are understood to have rejected Leeds United’s latest bid for Sean Longstaff.
Toon chiefs are open to a sale - with the player also keen to move - but have snubbed several offers from the Whites. Leeds put forward a package worth around £12million including add-ons.
Newcastle acknowledge Longstaff having one year of his deal remaining but do not wish to sell him for a pittance. The academy asset is valued higher despite becoming a bit-part player in recent times.
Sean Longstaff’s recent struggles
Longstaff has not started a Premier League game since the 4-2 defeat to Brentford in December. Previously viewed as a trusted Eddie Howe lieutenant, the North Shields native has fallen down the pecking order at St James’ Park.
Sandro Tonali, Joelinton and Bruno Guimaraes have cemented their status as the main midfield trio, with Lewis Miley and Joe Willock also given minutes before Longstaff. The 27-year-old cut a forlorn figure behind the scenes towards the back end of the campaign.
He is understood to favour a move and Leeds makes sense given his family ties less than two hours up the road. However, as mentioned, Newcastle are firm negotiators and will not let him leave cheaply.
Leeds United stance
Leeds are reportedly beginning to lose patience and are considering alternative options. The ambitious ownership regime at Elland Road are keen to add Premier League experience to their ranks to avoid another swift relegation.
Longstaff has been considered as the ideal workhorse in the engine room and, with Champions League pedigree, would be one of their more mature players. There is now mixed signals within the Leeds camp about whether a deal can progress.
Read More
Eddie Howe dropped Sean Longstaff hint
Howe subtly suggested Longstaff could be sold when speaking to the press earlier this year. 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