Proposed Newcastle United transfer collapses as talks break down

Newcastle United have made it clear they are not willing to let Sean Longstaff leave on the cheap, rejecting Leeds United’s most recent bid for the midfielder.

Leeds have already submitted three formal offers for the 27-year-old this summer, the latest of which arrived earlier this week. That proposal reportedly included an initial £10 million payment, supplemented by £2 million in performance-related add-ons, bringing the total package to £12 million.

However, Newcastle have turned down the deal, standing firm in their valuation of a player who, despite his limited game time last season, remains an experienced figure in Eddie Howe’s squad.

Longstaff, who has now entered the final year of his contract at St James’ Park, finds himself at a career crossroads.

After a disappointing second half of the season where he failed to start a single Premier League match, the North Shields-born midfielder appears ready for a fresh start.

It is believed that he has agreed personal terms with Leeds and is enthusiastic about the opportunity to play regular football once again—particularly with Leeds back in the top flight.

Despite the player’s willingness to move, the deal remains at an impasse, with Newcastle unwilling to sanction his departure unless their financial expectations are met.

Leeds now face a difficult decision: either return with an improved offer or turn their attention to other targets.

The Yorkshire club have identified midfield reinforcements as a priority during this transfer window but have so far struggled to get their top targets over the line.

Moves for Habib Diarra and Noah Sadiki both fell through, with the pair opting instead to join Sunderland. Hoffenheim’s Anton Stach has now emerged as a potential alternative to Longstaff, with sources in Germany suggesting Leeds are monitoring his situation closely.

Longstaff’s predicament at Newcastle has mirrored the team’s shifting midfield dynamics. Once a regular starter under Howe, he has found himself increasingly on the fringes, overshadowed by the likes of Bruno Guimarães, Joelinton, and Sandro Tonali.

Though valued for his work rate and positional discipline, his reduced involvement last season has raised questions about his long-term future on Tyneside. Yet Newcastle seem reluctant to let him go unless they receive what they believe is fair market value.

Meanwhile, the club is edging closer to announcing their first major signing of the summer. Anthony Elanga has already undergone a medical and is expected to complete his £52 million transfer from Nottingham Forest within the next 24 hours.

The Swedish international will add much-needed speed and attacking intent to Howe’s forward line, reflecting Newcastle’s ambitions to retool their squad ahead of another push in both domestic and European competitions.

Newcastle’s firm stance on Longstaff underscores their broader transfer strategy this summer—one that seeks to balance squad evolution with financial prudence.

Although they’re actively pursuing reinforcements, they’re unwilling to allow experienced players to leave unless it aligns with their valuation and squad depth goals.

For Longstaff, the next few weeks could prove decisive. Whether Leeds return with a fresh bid or move on, his desire for first-team football will likely ensure this transfer saga is far from over.