Newcastle United will have to replace Sean Longstaff if the Geordie midfielder is sold.
The 27-year-old’s future is in doubt, with Sean Longstaff a target for Leeds United. A move to Elland Road was close, only for Newcastle United to reject a £12million offer.
Fans were stunned by Newcastle’s Longstaff decision, with a move away still a possibility due to him being in the final year of his contract.
If he does leave, Newcastle will aim to sign a replacement.
Newcastle United could turn to Conor Gallagher
It has been reported that Newcastle could replace Longstaff with Jack Rudoni, but Toon officials may now have identified someone who is much better than the Coventry City star.
Reports in Spain are linking Newcastle United with a move for long-term target Conor Gallagher.
Conor Gallagher warms up ahead of Atletico Madrid's Club World Cup game against Seattle Sounders.
Photo by Steph Chambers – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images
According to Mundo Deportivo, the Magpies are ‘seriously considering’ a move for Gallagher, who could be allowed to leave Atletico Madrid 12 months after arriving from Chelsea.
The report states that Gallagher would cost at least £36million, with Atletico not interested in making a loss on the England international.
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The upcoming World Cup is a factor, with Mundo Deportivo suggesting that the 25-year-old could seek a move away to boost his Three Lions chances if he is not going to be a regular for Diego Simeone’s side.
Eddie Howe is a huge fan of Conor Gallagher and it is easy to understand why
The Spanish outlet add that Gallagher is ‘very popular’ with Eddie Howe, which should come as no surprise to Toon fans. After all, he was relentlessly linked with a move to Tyneside before he eventually took his talents to La Liga.
Gallagher was described as ‘perfect’ for Newcastle United in January 2023. More than two years later and that still feels like the case. He is the type of midfielder that Howe loves and will need if Longstaff departs.
Newcastle United play a high-octane brand of football, with Howe demanding that his players relentlessly press with boundless energy. It is why the likes of Joelinton and Longstaff have thrived under Howe.
Gallagher could bring that too, with former England manager Gareth Southgate noting in November 2023 that the midfielder was one of the Premier League’s best pressers at the time.
Southgate told the Times: “His mentality is outstanding. His pressing is probably as good as anyone in the league.”
Those attributes would make Gallagher a wonderful addition to the Newcastle United squad, and it will be interesting to discover whether the Magpies formalise their interest.