It came as a bit of a surprise, but Newcastle United have rejected Leeds United’s third offer for Sean Longstaff and now, a striker on the Elland Road radar has an agreement in principle elsewhere.
David Ornstein reported earlier this week that Leeds had tabled a bid worth £12m for Longstaff and while the midfielder had agreed personal terms, Newcastle were yet to reply to Leeds’ offer for the Toon ace.
Following Ornstein’s news, it was reported on Tuesday morning that Leeds’ bid for Longstaff had been accepted. But that was premature, with multiple sources now claiming the bid has been turned down.
For now, it remains unclear whether Leeds will make a fourth offer for Longstaff or if the club will pursue other targets. Longstaff remains available for sale at the right price, given his contract ends in June 2026.
After what promised to be a good week after the signing of Gabriel Gudmundsson and Sam Byram’s new deal, it is fizzling out. Especially, as a striker on the Elland Road radar has agreed to join a different club.
Sean Longstaff before Newcastle United vs Chelsea at St. James' Park.
Photo by Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images
Nikola Krstovic has ‘agreement in principle’ with another club
Leeds have been linked with Lecce’s Nikola Krstovic after he had a hand in 16 Serie A goals last season. He did so in a struggling Lecce side that finished 17th, with Lecce only scoring 27 goals during 2024-25.
There are contrasting reports surrounding Krstovic and a move to Leeds. Graeme Bailey has told us at LeedsUnited.News that Leeds are interested in Krstovic and the Montenegro star is on the Leeds list.
Nikola Krstovic in action for Lecce amid rumours he could join Leeds.
Photo by Image Photo Agency/Getty Images
Rated at £30m, Krstovic is on the move this summer – but it appears, not to Leeds in the end. Italian website TuttoMercatoWeb saw Krstovic now has an ‘agreement in principle’ with Serie A side Roma.
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Which other strikers have Leeds United shortlisted?
Adam Underwood’s focus this summer, so far, has been to sort out the defence and the midfield. Having completed his defensive shake-up, Longstaff was expected to be one of two additions in central midfield.
Daniel Farke looks on during Millwall vs Leeds United.
Photo by Alex Davidson/Getty Images
But it is back to the drawing board for Leeds and Underwood, who have also missed out on Habib Diarra and Noah Sadiki to Sunderland. Hoffenheim’s Anton Stach remains a target for Underwood at Leeds.
When it comes to strikers, Leeds have not been linked with many. Lukas Nmecha is on board, but Leeds still need a player to come in and start. Fulham’s Rodrigo Muniz is perhaps the one Leeds want the most.