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Newcastle future uncertain for £10m “fantastic talent”

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According to transfer journalist Ben Jacobs, Newcastle United may be willing to sell homegrown hero Sean Longstaff this month to boost transfer funds.

Newcastle have not acquired any new additions over the January transfer window so far, but are being ruthless in their efforts to offload players who are no longer in the long-term plans for the squad.

Miguel Almiron is all but confirmed to re-join his former club Atlanta United across the pond with the North East giants set to earn £9m from the 30-year-old’s MLS move, while it has been reported this morning that Matt Targett is the next for the chopping board with a move to Leeds United on the cards.

It is clear that with Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSR) plaguing the progression of Newcastle’s ambitious project, they are now ready to cut ties with players in the squad who are no longer required.

Indeed, there are only five days left to complete deals if Newcastle are keen to strengthen before the window closes for the second half of the season, though it is more likely that the club are looking to pile up the funds received to go all out for a summer squad refresh.

Amid the noise around Almiron and Targett, there appears to be another player that the club hierarchy is willing to part ways with before the deadline on Monday, with Sean Longstaff named as a potential outgoing.

Speaking on the NUFC Matters YouTube channel, CBS journalist and transfer expert Ben Jacobs revealed:

“Longstaff is the more interesting one,”

“I think all parties are willing to find a solution. Maybe that £20m, £30m or £40m to satisfy PSR can come from two, three or four sales, or two, three or four players off the wage bill.

“Longstaff, I’m told, they may be willing to do business for in the region of £10million.

“But Everton’s perspective is that, rather than an outright purchase, they would look to do a loan with an obligation to buy contingent on staying up in the Premier League.”

Should Newcastle sell Sean Longstaff?

Newcastle are currently in strong contention to qualify for European football as they match Manchester City in fourth for points tallied up so far, and also have a great chance to win a domestic cup with the Carabao Cup final in sight.

The Magpies are 2-0 up from the first leg of their semi-final clash with Arsenal and will host the Gunners at St James’ Park next week in the hope of earning their second Wembley outing under Eddie Howe.

All considered, the club must find the right balance in selling their players to boost profits and transfer funds with ensuring there is enough depth to cover crucial positions on the pitch, especially if they don’t add any new players to the squad in the remaining days of the window.

Longstaff – once hailed a “fantastic talent” by Middlesbrough manager Michael Carrick – has tallied up 205 appearances, 16 goals and ten assists in his midfield role on his native Tyneside and played a key role in the Champions League qualification back in 2022/23 season.

However, a new dynamic midfield trio has formed at St James’ Park with Sandro Tonali returning to the fold from his nine-month ban, completing a formidable threat in the centre of the pitch with Brazilian duo Joelinton and Bruno Guimaraes.

This has led to a decrease in game time for the 27-year-old who has averaged 40 minutes per Premier League appearance, though he has been relied upon in the EFL cup and FA Cup, further demonstrating his importance in the depth of the squad across all competitions.

With that being said, it will be interesting to see if Newcastle would value £10m in the pot higher than the potential value that Longstaff offers from the bench or in cup competition.

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