Newcastle ready Jack Rudoni transfer as Leeds bid accepted for Longstaff
Leeds are closing in on the signing of midfielder Sean Longstaff from Newcastle United.
Longstaff is set to move to Elland Road with a £12million bid now accepted for him, as the 27-year-old prepares to leave his boyhood club.
Leeds are aiming to strengthen their squad with Premier League-ready players, and Longstaff would arrive with plenty of experience in his prime years.
Daniel Farke may also be tempted to shop at the top end of the Championship, with Jack Rudoni potentially the prime example.
Newcastle keen on Rudoni as Longstaff replacement
Longstaff fell down the pecking order at Newcastle last year, which has prompted his exit, as he gets set to feature more regularly under Farke at Leeds.
Newcastle are aiming to replace him with a younger option and have identified Coventry City star Rudoni.
| Sean Longstaff | Stats (Premier League 2024/25 season) |
| Appearences | 25 |
| Starts | 8 |
| Total minutes | 837 |
The Daily Mail has reported in its print edition (July 9, back page) that Newcastle are among a long list of admirers of Rudoni, who is considered by many to be the best player outside of the Premier League.
With Leeds targeting experience instead, Rudoni is likely to move to a club further up the Premier League table, with an approach possible from Howe and Co to replace Longstaff quickly.
Leeds could still shop in the Championship
The top end of the Championship is home to several players who could make an impact in the top flight, and Leeds could still shop in this market.
Leeds were linked with Gustavo Hamer, who won the player of the season award after his outstanding campaign with Sheffield United.
While making the step-up is not easy, the best players in the Championship could adjust more easily than players from abroad, and Leeds would be unwise to ignore this talent pool.
Longstaff makes more sense than Rudoni for now, given that he was targeted for his experience rather than quality, but with Leeds still needing to strengthen their attack, other options in the second tier could make a difference for Farke.
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