Eddie Howe has some big decisions to make regarding his Newcastle United squad ahead of the summer transfer window.
The Magpies are set to embark on a period of change this summer, with sporting director Paul Mitchell eager to give Toon boss Eddie Howe the tools he needs to take Newcastle United to the next level.
Newcastle want at least three new signings this summer, with Howe eager to add a new centre-back, right-winger and striker to his starting XI.
Last summer saw William Osula join to add to Newcastle’s depth upfront, but Howe has been reluctant to play the young Dane despite good showings in the FA Cup. Osula joined Newcastle for £15m, but for the time being, it looks like he will be one for the future.
There are also several players who could leave Newcastle this summer. The likes of Callum Wilson and Jamaal Lascelles are out of contract at the end of the season and early signs suggest they may not be handed new deals.
Elsewhere, forgotten Newcastle man Jamal Lewis will definitely leave the club at the end of the season, having fallen completely out of favour with Howe.
Now, the Toon boss has provided an update on the situation of another longstanding Newcastle star who has had transfer interest from across the Premier League.
Eddie Howe provides update on Sean Longstaff’s Newcastle United future
Sean Longstaff has seen his gametime severely reduced this season following the return of Sandro Tonali following his 10-month ban.
Things got worse for the midfielder when it was revealed that Lewis Miley had overtaken Longstaff in Newcastle’s pecking order. Howe believes the 18-year-old has more qualities than Longstaff, making him a more attractive option for the Toon boss.
Recent reports have claimed that Manchester United want Longstaff, repeating a move which they nearly completed in 2019 when his asking price was around £50m. The news comes after Everton were interested in Longstaff during the January transfer window. The 27-year-old had the opportunity to leave Newcastle but was not keen on joining a team below the Magpies.
Speaking in his pre-match press conference ahead of Newcastle’s visit to Leicester on Monday night, Howe was asked about Longstaff’s role in the team and for an update on his future.
“His role is to be ready. Be ready to play, be ready to come on. I’ve trusted him in big games where he has come on and played his part. We’re going to need the whole squad to help us in our league season. We’ve got nine massive games to come, everybody needs to be ready to play.
“I think his long-term future is slightly more unclear, but all I can say behind the scenes is Sean has been very, very good. He’s been helping the group, training to a really high level, can’t speak highly enough of him as a person.”
