Player 'open' to Newcastle United exit as £12m deal to Premier League rival emerges

A long-serving Toon star, the North Shields native was a key part of the team that secured Champions League qualification two years ago. Longstaff - a regular fixture at St James’ Park since bursting onto the scene in 2018 - entered dreamland by scoring against Paris Saint-Germain on Newcastle’s return to the European table.

Amassing over 200 appearances in black and white is every Geordie’s dream but a grim realisation has recently emerged. As the Magpies kick on following the Saudi-backed takeover, they risk leaving Longstaff behind and many believe now is the time to cash in.

Longstaff has played just 27 minutes of Premier League football since December 14, with his appearances being limited to substitute cameos. Sandro Tonali, Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton are Eddie Howe’s undisputed first choice in midfield.

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Beyond that, Longstaff is competing with Joe Willock and youngster Lewis Miley as backup. A telling moment came during last month’s 4-0 defeat to Manchester City when, at half-time, Howe turned to Miley as first reserve.

Longstaff recently penned a one-year contraction extension which allows Newcastle to recoup some transfer value. With him also being an academy graduate, any funds raised would generate pure profit on the balance sheet.

The Athletic reported in January that sporting director Paul Mitchell considers Longstaff as the next Toon star on the chopping block following Miguel Almiron’s and Lloyd Kelly’s exits. It is understood a fee worth around £12million would tempt Newcastle to do business.

TalkSPORT claim Everton are interested as they continue their rebuild under David Moyes. Ironically, the Toffees infamously offered just £1million for Longstaff during the nadir of his Newcastle career.

Then a confidence-bereft midfielder on the fringes of the starting line-up, Longstaff had not yet begun his renaissance under Howe. While questions remain about his long-term prospects on Tyneside, the midfielder is regarded as competent at Premier League level.

Eddie Howe dropped hint about Sean Longstaff’s future in January

Howe admitted it has been "difficult" for Longstaff to break into Newcastle’s midfield when grilled by reporters in January. Even when the Magpies have endured mixed form in recent weeks, the veteran has been forced to settle for a place on the bench.

"I think Sean is fighting for his place and he has responded well to that challenge," Howe said. "It is very difficult for him and it is always very difficult for any player.

“You are competing for a place and you are seeing the team actually perform really well. We are really stable in midfield. The challenge for you then goes up. It is the same for all of our midfielders.

“The competition for places is so strong. You have six top players who all want to play, and if I go with that system, I can only pick three.”

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