Sean Longstaff remains a priority target for Leeds United, but it is unclear at this stage whether The 49ers will increase their bid for the Newcastle United ace, after a third bid was rejected.
This time last week, David Ornstein reported Leeds had tabled a third bid worth £12m in total to sign Longstaff. But after initial reports said it had been accepted, it was confirmed it had been rejected.
Longstaff had agreed personal terms with Leeds and is now left in limbo, with the knowledge that he is not going to get much game time with his boyhood club, especially if Newcastle sign Conor Gallagher.
Leeds are keen to add to their four signings before their pre-season campaign starts this weekend, when The Whites take on Manchester United at Stockholm’s Strawberry Arena and Longstaff remains key.
Newcastle manager Eddie Howe watches his side take on Forest.
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Eddie Howe wants to keep Sean Longstaff for four reasons
The 27-year-old midfielder is in danger of becoming sixth or even seventh choice at Newcastle and yet, The Athletic report that Eddie Howe is a big fan of Longstaff and wants to keep him for four reasons.
The first two reasons are on the pitch. Longstaff’s ‘work rate’ is excellent and Howe is a fan of that, as well as the midfielder’s ‘tactical understanding’. Off the pitch, Longstaff has a brilliant connections with fans.
The Athletic’s piece also makes it clear that Newcastle’s replacement will cost a lot of money, if he boasts the same qualities as Longstaff does. Especially, if the replacement is experienced in the Premier League.
Sean Longstaff for Newcastle United vs PSG
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The two midfielders Newcastle want to replace Longstaff
The issue Leeds will face is that Newcastle replacing Longstaff will cost a lot more than they will ever get for Longstaff’s services. Atletico Madrid bought Gallagher for almost £40m and he’s set to cost the same.
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Another that Newcastle like is Coventry City’s Jack Rudoni. Rudoni has also been linked with Leeds, after a stunning season in the Championship in which he had a hand in 23 goals for Frank Lampard’s side.
However, Rudoni’s price tag highlights Newcastle’s issues when it comes to replacing Longstaff. The Sky Blues want as much as £30m for Rudoni, using Jobe Bellingham as a precedent. More than Longstaff.