Leeds United have set their sights on battling Everton for the summer acquisition of Sean Longstaff after the Newcastle United star worked his way onto the shortlist of Elland Road targets as preparations are made for returning to the Premier League, GMS sources have revealed.
Since chairman Paraag Marathe's public confirmation that Daniel Farke will be remaining in the Whites' hot-seat, after steering his side to the Championship title and a route back into the top flight, the German tactician has been working with members of the recruitment department to identify potential arrivals.
Due to being desperate to avoid the same fate as Southampton, Ipswich Town and Leicester City after they suffered immediate relegation during the 2024/25 campaign, Leeds are prepared to splash the cash and boast a transfer budget worth in the region of £150million as they aim to aid their chances of staying in the division by battling with the likes of Everton.
Leeds Ready to Battle Everton for Longstaff
Experienced midfielder on wishlist after sealing return to top flight
Sean Longstaff in action for Newcastle United
Leeds are interested in winning the race - which also includes Everton - to sign Longstaff, according to GMS sources, after uncertainty over his long-term future at boyhood club Newcastle has resulted in Farke threatening to pounce as he seeks to recruit an experienced midfielder ahead of next term getting underway.
The 27-year-old is preparing to enter the final 12 months of a contract which allows him to pocket £50,000-per-week, leading to the Whites and fellow admirers sniffing a potential opportunity to negotiate a cut-price deal due to an awareness that his current employers will want to avoid a situation where he departs as a free agent.
GMS sources have been informed that Leeds and Everton want to land Longstaff, who was forced to contend with a bit-part role during a season which saw Newcastle win the Carabao Cup, and they are considering entering negotiations even though he rejected the opportunity to leave Tyneside during the winter transfer window.
Sean Longstaff's statistics for Newcastle United this season
The Magpies' academy graduate is highly regarded at St James' Park but, having made 171 Premier League appearances over the course of his time on Tyneside, Farke is among the bosses waiting in the wings after seeing him fall behind the likes of Bruno Guimaraes, Sandro Tonali and Joelinton in the pecking order.
Longstaff's attitude and application are admired behind the scenes at Newcastle, GMS sources have learned, and they are having to think carefully about cashing in because keeping him on board would be beneficial when it comes to selecting their Champions League squad as he would count towards their club-trained quota.
Farke Eager to Land Playmaker and Defender
Tactician determined to bolster squad during transfer window
Leeds United boss Daniel Farke
GMS sources have been informed that Leeds are in for a busy summer as they are eager to sign a playmaker - with Sheffield United talisman Gustavo Hamer and Aston Villa man Emiliano Buendia on the radar - and a defender as well as having an eye on beating Everton to Longstaff's signature.
The Newcastle fan favourite has been valued at £12million, meaning that the Whites would still have plenty of room in their budget to bring in further reinforcements, but they have stopped short of entering negotiations at this stage as they are still considering their options during the initial 10-day transfer window.
Everton are more likely to seal Longstaff's arrival than sign West Ham United's Tomas Soucek as no approach has been made for the latter despite chief David Moyes wanting a reunion, GMS sources understand, while the Merseyside outfit are also in the market for a striker, winger and defender as they appreciate Liverpool's Ben Doak and Burnley's Maxime Esteve.
Leeds United boss Daniel Farke in front of Elland Road Related
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GMS recently revealed that Leeds are targeting Nico Elvedi, who is currently on the books of Bundesliga outfit Borussia Monchengladbach, and he is still among their possible acquisitions at a time when it is anticipated that Farke will succeed in bolstering his squad at the heart of the backline.
All statistics courtesy of Sofascore - correct as of 05/06/2025
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