Leeds United are reportedly eyeing a move for Newcastle United’s young midfielder Matty Longstaff, whose contract will expire soon.
Longstaff and the Magpies have not been able to come to an agreement on a new contract, which means that he could leave the club if a good offer comes in.
As per The Telegraph, Longstaff is a target for newly-promoted Leeds United, and Watford are also interested. Although he will be available on a free transfer, the Whites will have to pay a compensation fee to Newcastle United if they sign Longstaff.
The 20-year-old midfielder made his Premier League debut for Newcastle United against Manchester United in 2019, in a game where he scored a stunning goal, which helped the Magpies beat the Red Devils.
He made 15 appearances for Newcastle in all competitions in the 2019-20 season.
Matty Longstaff to Newcastle United – A solid midfield addition?
Leeds United return to the Premier League after romping to the Championship title in the 2019-20 season. The Whites had one of the best teams in the Championship, but they will have to improve significantly if they want to stay in the league.
(Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
Manager Marcelo Bielsa will have to bring 2-3 players that should go straight into the starting XI, and also strengthen the depth.
The midfield area is an issue for the Whites as they do not have too many quality options. Kalvin Phillips, Mateusz Klich and Pablo Hernandez were the preferred midfield trio for Bielsa, but the options below these three players have been limited.
Adam Forshaw struggled with an injury for the most part of the 2019-20 season, while Hernandez also had injury issues. Jamie Shackleton was used sparingly as he too had a few setbacks with injury, while Tyler Roberts played in the attacking midfield role on occasion.
It’s quite clear that the midfield area lacks depth. A signing like Matty Longstaff would be a good one for Leeds, whose work-rate, aggression, and knack of chipping in with a goal could work in his favour for a move to Leeds.
Longstaff has great energy and is a natural box-to-box midfield, and his stamina and desire to press and work hard could hold him in good stead under Bielsa.
He is just 20 years of age and has the potential to improve and become a better player under a manager like Bielsa, and would be a good signing for the Whites.