Newcastle United have rejected a bid from Everton for midfielder Sean Longstaff amidst Lucas Digne interest.
According to 90 Min, Newcastle United have turned down Everton’s initial proposal for midfielder Sean Longstaff. The North-East club hope to agree a new contract with the academy graduate, who has just six months remaining on his contract.
Everton boss Rafael Benitez is understood to be a huge admirer of Longstaff’s talents and wants to bring him to Goodison Park in January to bolster his midfield options. The Spaniard handed the 24-year-old his Newcastle debut back in December 2018 and the midfielder went on to play some of the finest football of his career during that spell in Benitez’s final season on Tyneside.
Unfortunately, his progression has stalled ever since the Spaniard’s departure in 2019, with a combination of injuries and drop in form playing their part. To date, the Englishman has racked up 83 appearances for the Magpies, boasting a tally of 5 goals and 5 assists in the process.
The youngster has failed to make any real impression since Eddie Howe took over the reins from Steve Bruce at St James’ Park, making only one start in the new manager’s eight games. And he would be open to reuniting with his former boss, Benitez, to revitalise his career.
Everton have been interested in Longstaff since last summer and have reignited their pursuit by making a bid for the midfielder. The Toffees considered incorporating out-of-favour left-back Lucas Digne in their offer for the midfielder, with the 28-year-old being a subject of interest from the Magpies.
However, the Frenchman has no intentions of moving up north and getting embroiled in a relegation battle. Instead, he is exploring other options, with Chelsea, West Ham and Aston Villa among the other top-flight clubs interested in signing the French international.
Nonetheless, Newcastle have knocked back Everton’s first bid for Longstaff as they are keen to hold onto the 24-year-old and hope to tie him down on improved terms despite his inconsistencies so far. With Isaac Hayden out for a few months following knee surgery, Howe does not want to risk losing another midfielder and sees the youngster playing a role in helping the club get out of their current predicament.
Although the Toon are reluctant to lose their academy product at this moment in time, the scenario could change in the latter stages of the window. Newcastle are hopeful of landing a couple of midfield reinforcements, and in order to do so, they will need to make room in their roster. To that end, they might be open to the idea of letting Longstaff leave for Everton.
It remains to be seen whether the Toffees will make more efforts to secure Longstaff’s signing during the ongoing transfer window or Newcastle end up keeping the 24-year-old beyond January.