Newcastle United midfielder Sean Longstaff is on the verge of signing for Manchester United, according to the Guardian.
The newspaper claims that Longstaff, 21, is close to joining Ayoze Perez, Mohamed Diame and Rafa Benitez in exiting St James’ Park this summer with a move to Old Trafford edging nearer.
Sky Sports journalist Kaveh Solhekol reported on Wednesday night that “high-level talks” had been held between Newcastle and Man United in regards to Longstaff’s future last weekend.
There were high-level talks last weekend between Manchester United and Newcastle United about Sean Longstaff. Newcastle won't confirm there were talks but we understand Newcastle categorically not interested in selling Longstaff & and see him as a big part of their future plans
— Kaveh Solhekol (@SkyKaveh) July 10, 2019
It would now seem as though there’s been a breakthrough in those talks, based on this update by the Guardian.
OPINION
It’s been body blow after body blow for Newcastle United supporters this summer with Longstaff now set to join the ever-growing list of departures at St James’ Park. Steve Bruce’s reportedly imminent appointment as Benitez’s replacement is bad news as it is, but to have that coupled with the exit of the club’s best young player is a sickener. Longstaff only made nine Premier League appearances for the Magpies last season before an injury ended his campaign early, but in those nine appearances, he featured in four wins and endeared himself to the Toon Army with his imperious midfield performances. Manchester United are getting a good young player in Longstaff but there have to be worries about whether or not he will even get a game at Old Trafford. Longstaff’s development is better served at St James’ Park, but with the mess that the Tyneside club is in, no one can be blamed for jumping ship.
