Eddie Howe gives Everton summer transfer boost with ‘unclear’ verdict on Newcastle man
Joe Thomas
3 – 4 minutes
SportFootball
Everton FC
Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe has cast further doubt on the future of Sean Longstaff, a midfielder admired by David Moyes
NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 11: Sean Longstaff (L) claps hands with Newcastle United Head Coach Eddie Howe during the Newcastle United Training Session at the Newcastle United Training Centre on December 11, 2024 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images)
Sean Longstaff (L) claps hands with Eddie Howe during the Newcastle United training session on December 11, 2024(Image: Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images)
Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe has accepted the future of midfielder Sean Longstaff is “unclear”. The availability of the 27-year-old was explored by Everton in January and he is likely to come under consideration again in the summer.
Howe’s latest comments suggest the Magpies academy graduate might be surplus to requirements at St James’ Park after finding starts hard to come by this season.
Longstaff started most of Newcastle’s Premier League games last season but has struggled during the current campaign with Joelinton, Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes emerging as Howe’s favoured central midfield.
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With Longstaff entering the final year of his deal this summer, his lack of involvement could pave the way for a move. He was an unused substitute in the Carabao Cup final win over Liverpool.
That is likely to catch the attention of Everton. Manager David Moyes is eager to strengthen his midfield, an area he identified as being key when he arrived in January.
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There was interest in Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall at Chelsea as well as Longstaff, with Moyes looking to add goals from the middle where possible.
Even with Tim Iroegbunam and James Garner returning from long-term injuries, the Blues boss has struggled to find an effective solution to his midfield.
Key players Abdoulaye Doucoure and Idrissa Gueye are also out of contract this summer, adding to complications around building the midfield that will take Everton into their new stadium.
Howe was asked about the position of Longstaff ahead of Newcastle’s Monday night game with Leicester City.
And, as the Northern ECHO reported, he said: “His role is to be ready to play, ready to come on and I have trusted him in big games where he has come on and played his part in those wins.
“We are going to need the whole squad in our league season. We have nine massive games to come and everybody has to be ready.
“His long-term future is slightly more unclear. But what I can say is that behind the scenes, Sean has been very good, helping the group, training to a high level and I cannot speak highly enough of him as a person.”
