Manchester United are still reportedly interested in signing Newcastle United’s young midfielder Sean Longstaff, having been linked with a move for him in the summer transfer window.
The 21-year-old played a starring role in the Magpies’ excellent 1-0 win against Manchester United, while his younger brother, Matty, scored the only goal of the game on his debut.
According to Daily Mirror via (TransferMarketWeb), the Red Devils could still pursue the signing of the young English midfielder. The report states that the Magpies have slapped a transfer fee of £40 million on Longstaff.
Longstaff made his debut for Newcastle United last season, before injury kept him out of the team. In the few matches that he played last season, he impressed in central midfield.
Injury has once again kept him out of a few games this season, starting 5 of the 8 Premier League games, and making one substitute appearance.
The 21-year-old signed a new contract with Newcastle last season, which now expires in 2022.
Is Sean Longstaff the player Manchester United’s midfield needs?
Sean and brother, Matty, ran the midfield against Manchester United on Sunday, with Sean showing great composure and energy in the heart of the park.
The older Longstaff is a player who has been likened to current Manchester United coach and former player Michael Carrick, thanks to his passing and ability to control the tempo of the game.
Capable of playing in central midfield or a deeper-lying player, Longstaff has the potential to be a very good Premier League player in the future. He certainly fits the criteria of the type of player Solskjaer wants in his squad, as he is young, British and has potential.
He would certainly be an upgrade on Fred or Nemanja Matic, and could complement a midfielder like Scott McTominay in the centre of the park.
Paying in excess of £40 million for a player that hasn’t played an entire Premier League season would not be a wise decision by Solskjaer or the Manchester United board. If the Red Devils can drive the price down from the £40 million price tag that Newcastle have put on Longstaff, it would be a good signing for United.