Manchester United are poised to make a bid for Newcastle United midfielder Sean Longstaff, according to the Evening Standard.
The outlet report that Manchester United are believed to be ready to bid for Longstaff with Newcastle holding off on offering the 21-year-old a new contract at the end of the season until Rafa Benitez’s future is resolved.
The Standard adds that a bid worth £25million could be enough for Man United to snap up the Magpies midfielder.
It is thought that Longstaff, who has enjoyed an impressive breakthrough season at St James’ Park, fits the profile of being a young talented player with potential that Ole Gunnar Solksjaer is targeting in his first summer transfer window as the permanent Manchester United manager.
Solksjaer is believed to be focusing his recruitment around midfielders, after the departures of Ander Herrera and Marouane Fellaini, and the Norwegian is thought to believe the 21-year-old has the flexibility to play as both a deep lying, or box-to-box midfielder with an eye for goals.
OPINION
It will be interesting to see what happens if Manchester United do make a formal offer to Newcastle for Longstaff. Benitez’s future could be key to that, as the Spaniard will not be wanting to allow one of his most talented and promising players leave the club if he remains in charge at St James’ Park. The 21-year-old has been very impressive for the Magpies since being given an opportunity in Benitez’s starting line-up, with the midfielder making nine appearances this season after emerging from the club’s youth set up. Manchester United will be eager to strengthen their midfield options, and if they are serious about making a move for Longstaff it could be difficult for the 21-year-old to turn them down. However, having just broken into the first team picture at Newcastle, the midfielder might be wise to spend some more time with the club getting regular game time in the Premier League so he can develop. Newcastle supporters will be hopeful the club manage to hold onto a player they are only just beginning to see develop a career with the Magpies.
