Leeds United have reportedly identified a Newcastle United midfielder as a potential summer transfer target.
After Monday night's 4-0 victory over Bristol City, Leeds know that they will win the Championship title if they beat Plymouth Argyle on Saturday.
However, with Premier League promotion having already been secured, club officials can afford to assess the market, regardless of speculation that persists regarding a potential change in head coach.
Daniel Farke's record in England's top flight has been a hot topic of debate and it feels imperative that several players with Premier League experience are brought to Elland Road.
According to The i Paper, one of Newcastle's homegrown talent has been shortlisted as a possible arrival at Elland Road.
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Leeds keen on Longstaff?
The report alleges that Sean Longstaff is someone who has been earmarked as a player that can strengthen the Leeds' engine room in 2025-26.
Since coming through the academy system at the North East outfit, Longstaff has made a total of 213 appearances in all competitions, contributing 16 goals and 11 assists.
Nevertheless, the 27-year-old is now only viewed as a valuable squad option having been limited to eight starts and 16 substitute outings in the Premier League this campaign.
Longstaff has not started a top-flight fixture since December 7, his only two starts since then coming in FA Cup ties versus Bromley and Birmingham City.
With his contract due to expire in 2026, decisions will soon need to be made over his future, all parties seemingly at a crossroads from that standpoint.
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Howe's dilemma
At a time when Newcastle are likely to have money to spend in the summer, it is plausible that Longstaff could be no higher than fifth in the midfield pecking order come the start of next season.
There is potential for him to be even lower, yet it will not be a cut-and-dried decision to cash in with Longstaff even if he does not pen a fresh contract.
As it stands, Lewis Miley is the only other homegrown talent in the senior ranks. At least four such players are required to make full use of their squad numbers in European competition.
Longstaff may also want to experience another continental tournament with Newcastle, and Howe will rotate his team on a more regular basis given the extra demands on that front.
Given his loyalty to the club, it is plausible that Longstaff will be prepared to sign a contract extension - regardless of its length - to ensure that Newcastle make a profit on his services should he ever leave the club.
Even at the detriment of less game time, he could stay in the North-East rather than accept regular starts at a club such as Leeds.
Darren Plant
