Leeds United are being frustrated in their pursuit of Sean Longstaff, with Newcastle United having rejected a third bid. But even if the Magpies do sell up, they won’t let Daniel Farke off easily.
Sean Longstaff looked all set for a move to Elland Road. It was reported that Leeds United were close to signing Longstaff from Newcastle United, in what would’ve been a £12million deal. But the Magpies have slammed the brakes on this potential move.
It’s reported that Newcastle United have rejected a third bid for Longstaff from Leeds. For Daniel Farke, it’s bound to be very frustrating: Longstaff has been a transfer target for more than a year now and already this summer Leeds have seen several targets join Newcastle’s north-east rivals Sunderland.
Though there’s every chance that Leeds will get their man. This summer, Leeds United have a £150million transfer budget and so it could be a case of throwing in a few more million to get Newcastle to play ball.
But there’s other positions in the side to bolster; mainly in goal, more full-backs, and a new no.10 as well.
Jack Rudoni in action for Coventry City against QPR.
Photo by Kevin Hodgson | MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Newcastle United could replace Sean Longstaff with one Leeds United transfer target
In a fashion that’s becoming all too familiar for Leeds this summer, they could see one of their rumoured transfer targets join a Premier League rival. And as it goes, Newcastle United could replace Longstaff, if he does eventually leave, with a certain Jack Rudoni.
This summer, Leeds United have shown an interest in Rudoni who enjoyed a superb 2024/25 season with Coventry City in the Championship, scoring 10 and assisting 12 more in 45 total league appearances across the campaign. Daily Mail now report that Newcastle United are admirers of his.
They write that Longstaff would need replacing and name Rudoni as a player that Eddie Howe likes. The same report goes on to write that ‘there is a feeling the 24-year-old [Rudoni] is the best player outside the Premier League’.
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Jack Rudoni would be class for Leeds United, but Daniel Farke might have other plans
With Brenden Aaronson’s Leeds United future in doubt, adding a new no.10 to the side this summer is vitally important for Farke. And Rudoni certainly fits the bill, but Farke may have other potential options high up his list.
It’s been reported this summer that Leeds United will sign one of Emi Buendia or Gustavo Hamer for that no.10 role. Though whilst both players look set to be on the move, there’s no indication that either will be heading to Leeds United just yet.
So for Farke, losing out on Rudoni could be a real thorn in his side. But if it means signing Longstaff then he may not care, as Longstaff is someone who he’s wanted to bring in at Leeds United for a long time now.
It’s simply now a case of getting Newcastle United to agree on a free, and getting Longstaff in for the pre-season at Thorp Arch.