According to The Telegraph, Leeds United have now joined the race to sign Newcastle United midfielder Matty Longstaff.
It’s claimed that the Whites are considering a move for Longstaff, whose contract at Newcastle expires this summer following something of a stand-off over a new deal.
The Magpies have known this for some time but have yet to secure an agreement with the youngster, meaning they now risk losing him.
Leeds are interested in keeping him in England, and will hope to beat foreign interest in the midfielder. Watford are especially keen according to the Daily Mail.
Longstaff wouldn’t be free despite his contract expiring, as training compensation would have to be paid – and Leeds would have to pay more than a foreign side.
The compensation rules mean that English clubs face a larger bill than foreign sides when it comes to training compensation.
Longstaff, 20, was born in Rotherham, so there may be some temptation for him to make the move back to Yorkshire with Leeds.
He has only managed nine Premier League appearances for Newcastle, but has scored two goals; both came against Manchester United, with Leeds supporters will no doubt love.
Longstaff has great energy, which would fit into Marcelo Bielsa’s Leeds side, and at 20 he still has room to grow, with the Whites potentially seeing a bargain.
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