Leeds submit third bid for Longstaff, Newcastle respond as Howe stance revealed
Leeds United have been chasing the signing of Newcastle’s Sean Longstaff for several weeks now.
The newly-promoted side are keen admirers of the midfielder, who has established himself as a consistent and reliable performer over the years at St James’ Park.
Leeds have already seen two bids for Longstaff knocked back by the Magpies, but the West Yorkshire outfit have been undeterred in their pursuit of the 27-year-old.
Daniel Farke’s side will need plenty of additions if they are to have a chance of successfully making the jump to the Premier League, and the midfielder has been earmarked as a player who is capable of helping them achieve that.
Leeds have third Longstaff bid rejected as Howe doesn’t want to sell
Leeds are understood to have already agreed personal terms with Longstaff, but they have so far been unable to reach an agreement with Newcastle over a possible transfer fee.
The Whites recently presented a third offer to the North East outfit, but that has now also been rejected, according to The Times journalist Martin Hardy (9 July).
The bid was understood to have been worth an initial £10million, with a further £2m to come in add-ons. However, Newcastle are holding out for a higher fee for their homegrown star.
Eddie Howe is also thought to be in no rush to sell Longstaff, as he will need depth in the middle of the park as he prepares to compete on four separate fronts next term, following Newcastle’s qualification for the Champions League.
Leeds should make Newcastle an offer they can’t refuse
If Leeds want to bring Longstaff to Elland Road, it seems as though they will have to make his club an offer they can’t refuse.
The midfielder received limited opportunities last time out and has just one year remaining on his contract, but Newcastle seem perfectly happy to risk letting him leave for free if it comes down to it.
With Howe’s stance on the midfielder now perfectly clear, the Whites should know that the only way they will be able to sign him this summer is if they make an offer that is extremely difficult for the Magpies to turn down.
They need greater depth in the spine of their team ahead of their top-flight return, and Longstaff would bring bags of Premier League experience to Leeds’ ranks.
With that in mind, they should have no qualms about adding to their recent offer in order to get a deal over the line.
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