Eddie Howe could sell Newcastle United star Sean Longstaff after Everton transfer pursuit, £31m update detailed
Newcastle United could sell one-time Everton target Sean Longstaff to help ease their financial restrictions, according to The Athletic.
Everton were linked with the English midfielder two years ago, with a bid said to have been knocked back at the time [Sky Sports].
That interest has since cooled, as has Manchester United’s, but Newcastle may now be more willing to sell Longstaff.
An article by Chris Waugh for The Athletic [17 January], in which the 26-year-old is valued at £31million, reads: “[Eddie] Howe is adamant Longstaff has a “long-term future” at Newcastle and the midfielder has made 18 Premier League appearances this season, but academy products are valuable in PSR terms as any fee received can be recorded as “pure profit” given there was no initial outlay.
“Although he is yet to be capped, Longstaff is English and is still only 26, with Manchester United and Everton among his previous suitors. Howe would like to keep Longstaff but a sizeable offer may be difficult to turn down.”
Ship has sailed
Everton may have had a serious interest in Longstaff previously, so much so that an offer was tabled, but a lot has changed since then.
The Newcastle midfielder would still do a job in the Toffees’ engine room, but that is not exactly an area we are weak right now.
James Garner has stepped up this season, while Idrissa Gueye and Amadou Onana are Sean Dyche’s other options in that department.
That is not even mentioning Newcastle’s supposed valuation of Longstaff, despite the fact he is out of contract at the end of next season.
Everton are not in a position to be spending £30m+ right now, let alone on a player that they do not really need.
Longstaff would no doubt do a job at another Premier League club away from St James’ Park, but that will not be on Merseyside.
In other Everton news, a finance expert is worried about a third PSR punishment heading the Toffees’ way.
For more Everton news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.