Leeds in fresh talks to sign Yorkshire-born midfielder – report
Leeds United have held “fresh talks” about signing out-of-contract Newcastle United midfielder Matty Longstaff, according to the Chronicle.
The north-east newspaper claims that Udinese have also held discussions about signing the 20-year-old while Schalke are also interested.
However, it is understood that Newcastle are fighting hard to get him to agree new terms at St James’ Park and at the very least, join up with the rest of Steve Bruce’s squad when they start pre-season training next week.
Bruce handed Longstaff his senior debut for Newcastle last season with him scoring a winner against Manchester United in his first Premier League appearance.
The Rotherham-born midfielder [transfermarkt] went on to score again against Man United on Boxing Day, although on his occasion Newcastle were 4-1 losers.
Still, it would be nice for Leeds to sign someone who is clearly an expert in making the net ripple against the Red Devils for next season.
But Leeds shouldn’t be signing players based on their scoring record against rival clubs and instead should be signing those who will strengthen the squad either now, or in the future.
Longstaff is someone who can do both.
He’s only 20-years-old but the England Under-20 international has a decent amount of experience under his belt after playing 15 times in all competitions for Bruce last term.
Leeds do have a number of players who can play in the defensive midfield slot.
Kalvin Phillips is obviously the first-choice while Adam Forshaw should be back to full fitness by the time the new campaign starts and Pascal Struijk showed he can also do a job there.
That means that Longstaff might not be needed by Leeds but as he’s only 20-years-old and going to be available for a compensation fee, it might be worth signing him and potentially sending him out on loan to a Championship club.
In other Leeds United news, this player has explained why he rejected Leeds despite a big bid being made for him.