Godwin ObajeLeeds United remain determined in their pursuit of Newcastle United midfielder Sean Longstaff as they continue to target players with Premier League experience ahead of their return to the top flight.
The 27-year-old has fallen down the pecking order at St James’ Park and is expected to depart this summer. However, negotiations between the two clubs have proven slower than Leeds had hoped, with Newcastle rebuffing three formal offers from the Yorkshire side. Leeds’ most recent proposal, reportedly worth £12 million, fell short of the Magpies’ valuation. Newcastle are holding firm at £17 million.
Despite the drawn-out nature of the deal, sources close to the situation suggest Leeds are preparing a fourth bid in an attempt to break the deadlock.
Football journalist Graeme Bailey believes the Elland Road club will return to the table and that Longstaff would be open to the move—though he is not actively pushing for an exit.
“There is an expectation that Leeds United will come back in for him,” Bailey told Geordie Boot Boys.
“I think it is something that the player would be open to. It’s an intriguing situation for Newcastle, especially with the lack of homegrown players for the Champions League.
“Longstaff would like the move, but he is also not desperate to get out. If Eddie Howe said to him ‘you need to go’ then he would. From what I am told, Longstaff is not really banging on the door to let him go.
“From what I am hearing, it is more likely than not that he will leave Newcastle, be it to Leeds or another club.”
Leeds’ interest in Longstaff is fuelled by manager Daniel Farke’s desire to inject Premier League experience into a squad that will be fighting to retain top-flight status next season. The midfielder’s knowledge of the division and work ethic make him an appealing target.
However, while Leeds admire the player, they remain cautious about overpaying. The club is reportedly weighing up alternatives should Newcastle refuse to budge on their valuation. Hoffenheim’s Anton Stach is among those being monitored. The German midfielder is believed to be available for a similar fee and is viewed by some within the club as offering a higher technical ceiling than Longstaff.
Still, the Magpies man’s experience in English football remains a key factor in Leeds’ thinking, particularly with the team’s focus on survival and squad balance.
Longstaff made 31 appearances across all competitions last season, many from the bench, and is seen as surplus to requirements as Newcastle reshape their squad with Champions League regulations and homegrown quotas in mind.
With just weeks left before the transfer window closes, Leeds are expected to ramp up negotiations as they look to secure key reinforcements. Whether they meet Newcastle’s £17m demand or turn elsewhere could define their midfield strategy heading into the new campaign.
Godwin Obaje
