Sean Longstaff is set to leave Newcastle United in a £12 million deal with Leeds United, but the club is not expected to immediately pursue a like-for-like replacement in midfield.
According to Craig Hope of the Daily Mail, the proposed transfer is “a fair and sensible outcome for both player and club,” but Newcastle won’t bring another midfield, not at least as the main priority in the transfer market.
“Longstaff looks set for Leeds in a deal worth around £12m,” Hope wrote, and added that despite criticism at times in Tyneside, “he has been a fantastic player and contributed to some iconic moments.”
As for replacing the 26-year-old academy graduate, Hope clarified the situation.
“It will be explored, for sure,” Hope wrote. “There is a feeling it would be difficult to sign a midfielder to improve upon a first-choice three of Bruno Guimaraes, Sandro Tonali and Joelinton.”
Hope also pointed to strong internal options as the main reason for not rushing the addition of an external replacement, saying staff “are expecting Lewis Miley to have a big season,” while adding that “Joe Willock could be transformed if coming through pre-season without any injury setbacks.”
Newcastle do admire Coventry’s Jack Rudoni, with Hope reporting that “there is a feeling the 24-year-old is the best player outside the Premier League.” However, midfield reinforcements are not currently the club’s top priority.
Instead, focus remains on the forward line and also on bringing at least one centre-back, with Hope confirming the Magpies’ interest in Marseille captain Leonardo Balerdi and Atalanta’s Giorgio Scalvini.