Newcastle face a drawn-out summer in more ways than one, with Rafa Benitez’s contract still unresolved and no players yet signed for the Magpies. But in this respect, it is the future of Sean Longstaff which is in question; after the Mirror suggested Manchester United are confident they can sign the North Shields-born sensation.
Allegedly, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer intends to build on the momentum starting to emerge at Old Trafford – after the Red Devils completed their £15million acquisition of the now former Swansea City winger Daniel James – by signing Longstaff, despite the midfielder stating just last week that his desires are to continue his career at St James’ Park.
They have also not been put off by Longstaff sustaining knee ligament damage during our encounter with West Ham in March, as they feel his 11 consecutive starts in the build-up to that game offered enough highlight moments to convince Red Devils chiefs that he fits their desired player profile.
In terms of transfer value, it’s stated that United are confident they can take our academy graduate away from the North East for £25million, and hope he will arrive at Old Trafford alongside a new centre-back and right-back.
The Evening Standard, however, understand somewhat differently, as the London-based tabloid suggested only on Thursday that the Old Trafford natives will focus their efforts on acquiring their new centre-half and wing-back first.
Only once those positions are occupied will Manchester United then launch their raid on us for Longstaff, and could yet continue their spending spree with moves for LOSC Lille winger Nicolas Pepe and Everton’s Idrissa Gana Gueye.