United line up £20m move for Longstaff
MANCHESTER UNITED have made enquiries over a possible £20million move for Newcastle United midfielder Sean Longstaff. The 21-year-old has been earmarked as a potential replacement for Ander Herrera and is viewed as a player who could emulate United coach and fellow Geordie Michael Carrick. Newcastle say they will resist offers for a player who has progressed through their academy via loan spells at Kilmarnock and Blackpool. Much could depend on the outcome of talks between manager Rafa Benitez and owner Mike Ashley this week. Benitez wants his own future resolved but part of those negotiations will centre on what finances the Spanish coach could have at his disposal to take the club forward. Longstaff was enjoying a break-out season up until a posterior ligament injury curtailed his campaign in March. He has only made nine Premier League appearances since his debut on Boxing Day but United scouts saw enough in that time to convince them he can make an impact at Old Trafford. He impressed, notably against Manchester City, and was poised to earn a call-up for the England Under 21 squad for the forthcoming European Championship. Longstaff has two years left on his contract at Newcastle, but is understood to be on a relatively low salary. Talks had been scheduled to take place over a new deal yet United’s interest could make those redundant. Talks are at an advanced stage with Swansea winger Daniel James while Crystal Palace right back Aaron Wan-Bissaka is also a target though Palace want £40m for the 21-yearold. Enquiries have also been made for Lille’s £55m-rated prolific forward Nicolas Pepe.