Newcastle United’s Sean Longstaff reacts to Jacob Murphy amid exit rumours
Newcastle United midfielder Sean Longstaff looks set to leave the club this summer and he has responded to team mate Jacob Murphy’s latest message.
Longstaff has been linked with a move to Leeds United, as Daniel Farke looks to bolster his squad ahead of their return to the top flight.
Everton are also interested in the 27-year-old and Football Insider were exclusively told £10million should be enough to seal a deal.
Longstaff has been at Newcastle all his career after coming through the youth system at the club, and has only been loaned out twice to Kilmarnock and Blackpool in that time.
Position under threat at Newcastle
Murphy’s position in the starting line-up at Newcastle is under threat following the arrival of winger Anthony Elanga.
After failed bids, the Toon finally managed to agree a £55m deal with Forest for the winger.
Elanga is expected to take up a place on the right flank, which Murphy occupied last season, but the 30-year-old is fighting for his place.
Murphy took to Instagram to share photos from the first week of training for Howe’s side with the caption: “Week one fun,” which was liked by Longstaff.
Howe looks to departures after Elanga purchase
Football Insider Verdict
Following their £55m spend on Elanga, Newcastle need to sell players before spending big on any more.
Longstaff failed to make an impact last season at St James’ Park, appearing 32 times across competitions and contributing just one assist.
Howe though has strong midfield options consisting of Bruno Guimares, Sandro Tonali, Joelinton and Joe Willock, so minutes were always going to be a struggle against those calibre of players.
The midfielder though has plenty of Premier League experience and could be a useful asset for Leeds or Everton.
| Appearances | 171 |
| Goals | 10 |
| Assists | 9 |
He would be an almost guaranteed starter for Leeds, whilst David Moyes needs a midfield addition following Abdoulaye Doucoure’s departure and Oriel Mangala’s loan spell coming to an end.
Murphy could also be a player to depart Newcastle following Elanga’s arrival, but winger Harvey Barnes has been the subject of interest from Aston Villa.
With PSR a key issue at St James’ Park, Howe needs the funds to be able to sign his top targets this summer.