The Sunday Mirror claims (p72, 23/01) that Nottingham Forest are eyeing a £2millio move to sign Newcastle midfielder Sean Longstaff. He is out of contract in the summer, and Eddie Howe is willing to cash in on him.
Longstaff, 24, replaced Joelinton before half-time on Saturday as Newcastle beat Leeds 1-0 – just their second win of the Premier League campaign. He started against Watford, during the 1-1 draw, lasting 90 minutes.
But his long-term future is in doubt at Newcastle, with his current deal still set to expire in June. The Sunday Mirror claim that Forest want to sign Longstaff for just £2million, and Howe is willing to sanction his exit.
It could depend on Newcastle bringing in a replacement before Longstaff goes given he remains a key part of the Toon side. Whether Newcastle are willing to accept just £2million, remains to be seen.
Forest eye Longstaff: Newcastle better off keeping midfielder
Even if it means losing Longstaff on a free transfer in the summer. £2million is hardly going to mean anything to the Toon – but they would be losing a homegrown player that fulfills the necessary quota.
The Toon are better off trying to orchestrate a new deal for Longstaff. Whether that is something Longstaff is interested in doing remains to be seen, perhaps a move away from the club would benefit the Toon star.
But from Newcastle’s point of view, at least keeping him at the club until the summer makes more sense. However, if they do bring in a replacement, then selling Longstaff is also fair. An interesting few days remain.
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