Leeds United seem to finally have their man, after reports revealed they and Newcastle United have agreed a deal for Sean Longstaff.
After more than a year of links, Sean Longstaff looks set to be finally arriving at Elland Road, after reports on Tuesday revealed Leeds United have agreed a deal to sign Longstaff from Newcastle United.
Going into this summer, Leeds’ interest in the 27-year-old was reignited. But Leeds United had multiple bids rejected for Longstaff, as Newcastle held out for more than the £12million that Daniel Farke’s side were offering.
In the end, Leeds United agreed a £15million fee for Longstaff. He looks set to become signing number five for Leeds this summer and fans may anticipate Farke going into double figures for new signings, with plenty more bodies needed to give Leeds United a fighting chance next season.
Anton Stach in action for Hoffenheim vs Wolfsburg.
Photo by Simon Hofmann/Getty Images
After Sean Longstaff, Leeds United surely close a deal for Anton Stach
One name who has been confirmed by multiple sources, including Leeds United News, to be of interest to Farke is Anton Stach at Hoffenheim. Stach is a prime transfer target for Leeds United this summer and seemingly the missing piece in the midfield, even after the arrival of Longstaff.
Stach, who stands at 6ft 4ins, would be the holding player in the midfield. Already, Leeds United have been given the green light to sign Stach in a deal that could cost £17million, potentially making him the most expensive signing of the summer so far at Elland Road.
But recent reports have revealed how Leeds United are angry with the Stach pursuit after their interest was made public, and it’s understood to have made negotiations with Hoffenheim more difficult to smooth out.
Stach though seems like the man next on Farke’s wishlist and with the Longstaff deal all but confirmed, Leeds United can really shift their attention to the 26-year-old German.
Lucas Perri claps his hands during Lyon vs Manchester United.
Photo by Jean Catuffe/Getty Images
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Leeds United could also sign their Illan Meslier replacement very soon
With a full-back brought in in Gabriel Gudmundsson, some new centre-backs, a new striker and soon Longstaff, it really leaves just the goalkeeper position that desperately needs addressing, before Farke can then look at adding that extra bit of quality in other positions.
Illan Meslier is expected to leave Leeds United this summer and so far there have been plenty of names linked to replace him. But recent reports revealed how Lyon’s Lucas Perri is Leeds United’s ‘top’ goalkeeper target this summer, despite ongoing links to the likes of Vanja Milinkovic-Savic and Dominik Livakovic.
Lyon have avoided relegation to Ligue 2 but their difficult financial position means they may need to sell up this summer, and to do so fast, which could in turn open the door for Leeds United to swoop in for the Brazilian, and replace Meslier once and for all.
This summer, Leeds United have a £150million transfer budget. If Longstaff arrives for £15million then it’ll leave £105million (Jaka Bijol cost £15million, Sebastiaan Bornauw cost £5million, and Gudmundsson cost £10million).