Leeds United continue to monitor possible ‘shrewd signing’ of Newcastle United’s Sean Longstaff
By Andrew Delaney
Carlton Palmer believes Leeds United would be making a smart signing if they bring Newcastle United’s Sean Longstaff to Elland Road.
The Sunday Mirror reported at the weekend (page 66, 17 March) that Leeds manager Daniel Farke is targeting the 26-year-old, should the Whites win promotion to the Premier League next season.
Despite being a regular in the Newcastle side at present, the Championship leaders are believed to have a £15m move for Longstaff in their sights.
Responding to the rumours of that potential new arrival in West Yorkshire, former Leeds player Palmer claims the signing would be a shrewd one.
Palmer told Football League World: “He’s only got a year left on his contract, so this would be a very, very good signing. The 26-year-old has played 135 Premier League games, and he would be a good addition for Leeds United.
“It has been reported that Newcastle would want a fee of around £15m and that would fall into Leeds’ budget.”
Palmer was also keen to praise Farke for his proactiveness at scouting out potential additions that would strengthen the squad ahead of a Premier League campaign.
“This is what you’ve got to do, and Daniel Farke is doing exactly what a manager should be doing now. I think Leeds have a great chance of going up, so you have to be looking at players.” Palmer continued.
“You don’t want to be doing business late, you want to get the players in, because it’s already tough enough for Championship clubs to remain in the Premier League when they get promoted.
“This would be a terrific signing for Leeds, a really strong signing for the football club. It’s one thing getting to the Premier League, but it’s another thing staying there.”
Should Leeds United bring Sean Longstaff to Elland Road in the summer?
Longstaff has been a key member of the Newcastle side since Eddie Howe took over from Steve Bruce in 2021.
Playing in 33 of their Premier League games last season, the homegrown talent was an important factor in the Magpies returning to the Champions League after two decades away, claiming a spot in the top four.
The goalscoring exploits of the midfielder also took Newcastle agonisingly close to ending their long run without a trophy, scoring two in their successful EFL Cup semi-final against Southampton just over 12 months ago.
To be able to add a player of such calibre to a newly promoted outfit would be a major coup for Leeds, and with his contract running down at St. James’ Park, the Whites may also be able to get their man at a cut price.
Farke is already blessed with midfield talent at Elland Road, with Ilia Gruev having a fine first season at the club, and Glen Kamara bringing the form with him that saw him shine at Rangers.
However, as Leeds have discovered recently, life at the top is harsh, and a deep squad is required if they are to maintain Premier League status alongside many well-established, strong outfits.
There is still a long way to go in the Championship promotion race though, and while they are favourites to go up alongside Leicester City, Leeds must ensure to keep up their excellent recent form that has closed the gap on the Foxes and saw them move clear of Ipswich Town and Southampton.
In other Leeds United news, the Whites have already started scouting a defender who plans to return to England in the summer transfer window.
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