Leicester City are reportedly ready to launch a bid to sign a Newcastle United player who Harvey Barnes has previously labelled ‘underrated’.
Newcastle United are likely to face the prospect of offloading a few first-team players this summer as they look to remain on the right side of the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR).
While key stars such as Alexander Isak and Bruno Guimaraes look likely to remain at St James’ Park, others could head out the door.
That includes Sean Longstaff, who continued to play a key role under Eddie Howe last season. The midfielder racked up a total of 46 appearances in all competitions, netting eight times and providing two assists.
But with Longstaff heading into the final year of his contract at Newcastle, Leicester City are reportedly ready to test the Magpies’ resolve.
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Leicester readying bid to sign Sean Longstaff
According to The Sunday Mirror [page 73], Leicester are preparing a £15 million bid to sign Longstaff this summer.
The outlet claims that the Foxes have been tracking the Newcastle academy product for ‘several months’.
It’s noted that while Howe is an admirer of Longstaff, a sale would represent pure profit for Newcastle due to his club-trained status.
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What Barnes has said about Longstaff amid Newcastle exit rumours
Longstaff has become a key figure under Howe over the past couple of seasons and was pivotal to their surprise top-four finish during the 2022/23 campaign.
The 26-year-old’s contributions in the middle of the park often go under the radar, particularly with stars like Guimaraes in the side.
Barnes certainly feels that is the case and summed up Longstaff in one word back in February, labelling the Englishman ‘underrated’.
It would be a shame to see Longstaff head out the door this summer after coming through the club’s academy set-up and making a real impact in the first team.
But Newcastle will have a decision to make over his future and a move to Leicester may be one to keep an eye on after their return to the Premier League.