Sean Longstaff has no minimum release clause in his current Newcastle United contract, according to the Chronicle.
The regional newspaper also claimed that despite strong interest from Manchester United, no bid has been placed for the 21-year-old midfielder.
The Chronicle reported details of Longstaff’s contract after it was revealed that Leicester City’s £30million offer for Ayoze Perez triggered a minimum buy-out clause on Tuesday evening.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has reportedly placed the Magpies’ midfield enforcer at the top of his wishlist and is suggested to be willing to meet Newcastle’s £30million valuation.
Longstaff quickly became a mainstay under Rafael Benitez at St James’ Park but an injury led to him missing the final couple of months of the Premier League.
OPINION
Could the start of this week have been any worse for all involved at Newcastle United? Firstly, the exit of Rafael Benitez, which still hasn’t been resolved, and now news that their top scorer Perez will leave the club. The loss of Longstaff would be the final nail in the coffin for the Magpies, but this update could provide some relief for fans. Having no minimum release clause means the club could demand as much as they want for the 21-year-old, and should Manchester United not wish to meet it, they get to keep a hold of one of their brightest talents ahead of next season. It’s a win-win situation for Newcastle, who could take advantage of United’s buying power by demanding silly money for the 21-year-old. Keeping him would be equally good – Longstaff was great in both attack and defence for the Magpies, averaging 1.9 tackles as well as 1.7 dribbles per game, the most in the Newcastle squad [WhoScored]. If he stays, the 21-year-old holds the potential to be a mainstay at St James’ Park for many years to come, with his future firmly in the club’s hands.
