Leeds United interested in second Newcastle United deal as medical set to take place
Sean Longstaff isn’t the only Newcastle United player Leeds United have shown interest in.
Leeds United are close to finalising a deal for Newcastle United midfielder Sean Longstaff.
But their interest in Nick Pope is set to go no further, with the Magpies keen to keep hold of the 33-year-old goalkeeper this summer.
Leeds United agree Sean Longstaff deal
Longstaff has been facing an uncertain future at Newcastle after losing his place in the team last season. But there has been no desire from Eddie Howe to force Longstaff’s exit as he still views the midfielder as an important member of the squad.
That said, Howe did admit in May that the player himself would dictate his future. And after receiving contact from Leeds, it is an opportunity Longstaff has decided to pursue.
The 27-year-old is understood to have personal terms with Leeds last month ahead of the two clubs agreeing a fee. After three failed bids, an agreement was finally reached on Tuesday, with Daniel Farke’s side set to pay £12million plus £3m in achievable add-ons.
Longstaff had been in Austria with Howe’s side as they gear up for the new Premier League season but is today (Thursday) due in West Yorkshire to undergo his medical.
It brings an end to Longstaff’s 19-year association with his boyhood club, whom he first joined at the age of nine. Longstaff made 214 senior appearances, memorably scoring against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League, as well as claiming a Carabao Cup winners' medal last term.
PSR boost for Newcastle United
Longstaff’s previous contract was due to expire this summer. That was until Newcastle triggered a clause to extend his deal until 2026 to prevent losing him for free. In a world of Premier League Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSR), selling academy prospects carries greater monetary value as they generate “pure profit”.
The Magpies are set to reinvest money as they target further incomings to help bolster the squad, which will compete on four fronts next season - the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup and Carabao Cup.
Howe’s side have already brought in Anthony Elanga from Nottingham Forest for £55million and are currently in talks to sign Hugo Ekitike from Eintracht Frankfurt in what would be a club-record deal. A centre-back and goalkeeper are also on the agenda, while Longstaff’s departure will be the midfield position back into focus.
Nick Pope set to stay at Newcastle United
James Trafford is a long-term target for Newcastle and talks have taken place with Burnley. The future England number one is keen on a move to St James’ Park, as he was last summer, but the two clubs are yet to agree on a transfer fee. Progress has been slow in recent weeks.
But regardless of what happens with Trafford, NewcastleWorld understands Pope is expected to remain on Tyneside. As reported by Sky Sports News last week, Leeds have shown interest in Pope.
United currently have five senior goalkeepers on their books. Martin Dubravka - not Pope - is the most likely to depart should a new goalkeeper eventually arrive. Odysseas Vlachodimos is also free to leave on loan. John Ruddy and Mark Gillespie are essentially training goalkeepers.