It is only the beginning of May but it already feels like Leeds United are hard at work as The 49ers and Adam Underwood work alongside Daniel Farke to create a squad capable of survival.
The gap between the Championship and the Premier League is widening and Leeds need to have a near-perfect summer window. Pressure is on new sporting director Underwood, in his first transfer window.
The Whites need a new goalkeeper, cover at centre-back, a replacement for Junior Firpo if he goes, a new midfielder, a better version of Brenden Aaronson, Manor Solomon and a proven goal scorer up front.
Plenty of work to be done, with Leeds boasting a transfer kitty that exceeds £100m. Typically, Leeds are being linked with a whole host of new players – one of which is Newcastle United star Sean Longstaff.
Manchester United join Leeds in race to sign Sean Longstaff
Longstaff, now 27, has been at Newcastle ever since breaking through the academy – aside from loans at Blackpool and Kilmarnock. With 170 appearances to his name at The Toon, Longstaff is now set to leave.
Described as “underrated” by Harvey Barnes, Longstaff is about to enter the final 12 months of his deal. Eddie Howe has given the green light for him to leave, and Leeds want to do a £10m deal for Longstaff.
The Chronicle now claim Manchester United are also interested in signing Longstaff this summer, in what would be a surprise move. The report mentions Leeds, and says five clubs have expressed interest in him.
Why Sean Longstaff is being allowed to leave Newcastle
Aside from his contractual situation, there is an issue of the actual need for Longstaff at Newcastle. The Toon academy product has fallen down the pecking order at St. James’ Park under manager Howe.
Sandro Tonali, Joelinton and Bruno Guimaraes are one of the best midfield trios in the Premier League and it has seen Longstaff fail to start a Premier League game since December 7, a 4-2 loss to Brentford.
Longstaff is not even first reserve if one of those midfield players is unavailable, with former Arsenal star Joe Willock picked over Longstaff. He needs a move and at Leeds, he would almost be first choice.
