OPINION
Sean Longstaff is likely the most prized jewel that Newcastle United currently have in their possession, so any speculation surrounding him is always met with consternation by the club’s fans.
Unfortunately for them they were given a bit of a scare on Friday when Sky Sports journalist Keith Downie claimed on his personal Twitter account that Premier League giants Manchester United are taking a look at the 21-year-old.
That is obviously bad news for the Magpies faithful, and likely had them sweating buckets. The Red Devils aren’t the force they used to be on the pitch, but they still have significant pulling power in the transfer market.
Not only would Longstaff see his wages increase astronomically, but he would be joining a club with huge prestige and regular European football. It’s easy to underestimate how appealing United still are to footballers, even in their current depleted state.
However, Longstaff is a local lad who seems to have his head switched on. Would he really want to forsake his boyhood club, having only just broken into the team, for a side who have been on the decline for the last decade? Maybe, maybe not.
But the lure of United is certainly strong, as is the lure of the pound sterling. The Newcastle fans are kidding themselves if they don’t think the midfielder would be tempted at the very least.
Obviously the club will resist Ed Woodward’s approaches vehemently, but if United offer £50million+ is Mike Ashley really going to turn that down? Surely not.
That’s the worrying thing for the Toon Army, who will be hopeful that this situation resolves itself in as positive a way as possible. Let’s see what happens.
Manchester United are looking at Newcastle’s Sean Longstaff. The 21-year-old has 3 years left on his current NUFC contract.
— Keith Downie (@SkySports_Keith) May 17, 2019
