Newcastle hold out for £25m for Manchester United target Longstaff

Newcastle are bracing themselves for Manchester United’s opening offer for midfielder Sean Longstaff, claims the London Evening Standard.

Longstaff has emerged as a shock transfer target for the Red Devils, as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer sets out to re-shape his United squad for the new season.

United will need to sign at least two midfielders this summer to replace Marouane Fellaini and Ander Herrera.

The United manager wants the club to stop signing big names and focus on recruiting young, ambitious players.

Solskjaer’s side are expected to submit their first bid for Longstaff this weekend but Newcastle have slapped a £25m asking price on the midfielder’s head.

The 21-year-old is currently recovering from a knee injury that ended his campaign back in March.

Longstaff made a positive impact in the Newcastle side prior to injury but Rafa Benitez’s side coped well without him.

Newcastle won half of the eight league matches Longstaff started this season but their win rate dropped to 26.7% in the league games he didn’t start.