Newcastle United have rejected a late bid from Manchester United for Sean Longstaff, according to The Athletic via Inside Futbol.
Red Devils boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has been targeting the Magpies product throughout the summer, but faced opposition from his board with Executive Vice-Chairman Ed Woodward reticent to meeting our £50million asking price.
Reports throughout the summer have suggested he will approach the Toon with offers in the region of £25m and £30million, which The Athletic now support, with claims of a verbal offer being lodged earlier in the week.
The bid is thought to have been in excess of £30million, but was instantly rejected by Newcastle chiefs, who stood firm and made clear that Longstaff is not for sale.
Manchester United’s interest is unlikely to halt here, however, with the Daily Mail suggesting Woodward will return in 2020 with a renewed swoop, that could see the Red Devils offer as much as £70million next summer.
Woodward had been hopeful of striking a deal close to £20million in June, as the uncertainty surrounding the rumoured takeover and Rafa Benitez’s future made the Old Trafford executive confident in the potential of an agreement, but has been thwarted throughout his efforts.
Having the Red Devils take a step back will be of great comfort around Tyneside, as it will allow Longstaff to put his future to one side and focus on football, starting with Sunday’s Premier League curtain-raiser at home to Arsenal.
The North Shields-born midfielder will be a key asset to Steve Bruce this season, and will be looking to add more top-flight appearances to his record having seen his breakthrough term cut short in March with a knee injury.