Leeds United’s hopes of signing Sean Longstaff from Newcastle United now look dead in the water with Adam Underwood unwilling to pay over the odds for the Toon midfielder.
David Ornstein reported earlier this week that Leeds had tabled a third offer worth £12m for Longstaff. The midfielder is said to have agreed personal terms with Leeds, and reports said a bid was accepted.
However, it soon transpired that Newcastle had chosen to turn down the £12m offer, and with Leeds already making three bids for Longstaff, it appears Underwood was not willing to go any further.
Graeme Bailey has told LeedsUnited.News that he expects a fourth offer given it won’t take much more for Newcastle to accept a bid. But the feeling at Leeds is that a deal to sign Longstaff is now unlikely.
Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty ImagesWhy Conor Gallagher could aid Leeds in Sean Longstaff chase
Newcastle boast one of the best starting midfield trios in the Premier League, in Joelinton, Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes. If Longstaff remains, he knows his game time at Newcastle is going to be minimal.
Especially, with Leeds target Joe Willock and Lewis Miley on the books. If Newcastle sign another player in midfield, the chances are he could be fifth, sixth or even seventh choice going into the 2025-26 season.
Well, Mundo Deportivo report that Newcastle are interested in signing another midfielder and it comes in the form of Atletico Madrid’s England star Conor Gallagher. Atletico Madrid want £36m for Gallagher.
Photo by Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty ImagesAtletico Madrid’s stance on Gallagher sale aids Leeds move
Gallagher’s arrival at Newcastle would not guarantee the former Chelsea captain a start, given the quality of the midfield in the north east. However, he would certainly be Eddie Howe’s first midfield reserve.
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He would certainly slot in above Longstaff in the pecking order, and it is not as if Atletico Madrid are ruling out a sale either. The report from MD state that they could listen to offers for the England player.
Surely, if Newcastle sign Gallagher, then not only is Longstaff more convinced that he needs to leave, but Newcastle will be more willing to let him go and consider a compromise in talks with Underwood.