Newcastle United's English midfielder #36 Sean Longstaff celebrates with the League Cup trophy
Leeds United are pondering their next steps after seeing an improved bid for Sean Longstaff rejected by Newcastle United.
The newly-promoted side see the Magpies midfielder as an ideal option as Daniel Farke plots how to build a squad capable of avoiding relegation at the first time of asking.
Longstaff is said to be keen on the move, while vast swathes of the St James' Park faithful understand now is probably the right time to part ways given Eddie Howe handed the 27-year-old only eight starts last term.
But while many are unsure as to why Leeds' latest proposal has been rebuffed, it is worth remembering Newcastle's mission to squeeze as much juice as possible out of the few sellable assets at their disposal.
Howe has no great desire to sell Alexander Isak, Anthony Gordon, Bruno Guimaraes or players of that ilk, meaning possible first-team exits on the cards this summer revolve around the likes of Longstaff, Joe Willock, Kieran Trippier and Martin Dubravka.
To add, Newcastle may be out of danger when it comes to previous PSR struggles but the club still have financial obligations to meet while they seek to increase their revenue streams. With grand plans to spend north of £100m on Anthony Elanga, James Trafford and the like, sales, as ever, are needed to balance the books.
Howe's view on this topic has not changed. The Newcastle chief has always reconciled the fact spending, albeit limited of late, would need to be countered with sales.
Back in January 2024, his message was: "Selling players is part of every football club's DNA now. It has to be with Financial Fair Play rules because we have to generate more income. To sign players, we may have to sell players. It doesn't necessarily mean 'star' players, whatever is meant by that term, but certainly selling players will be something this club will do now for the foreseeable future."
Meanwhile, in December 2024, he reiterated: “Trading is essential, both in and out, to the model of PSR. I think the days where teams don’t sell players, unless your revenue streams are so big, are gone."
It may pay to cast your mind back to the departure of Lloyd Kelly. The defender left United for Juventus in January, initially on loan before his switch was made permanent in a deal totalling £20m.
Many will have failed to remember the fact Newcastle initially snubbed tiny offers for the free agent, with Juventus' first bid sitting in the region of £8m.
Newcastle clearly feel Longstaff's value is greater than £12m. They may just be right.
In the world of inflated Premier League prices, should such an experienced top flight operator, who now has Champions League appearances on his CV, be sold on the cheap? Newcastle clearly think they can land a better price for the academy graduate.
Treasure a season to remember
Newcastle United's 2024-25 campaign has to rank as one of the best in living memory. Not only did Eddie Howe's side qualify for the Champions League by securing fifth place in the Premier League, but they ended their long wait for silverware by winning the Carabao Cup
Our celebrates an incredible campaign for the Magpies, with in-depth analysis, ratings and interviews of a season to remember.
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