Potential transfer blow for West Brom as Newcastle United aim to secure player agreement

Premier League outfit Newcastle United are looking to tie midfielder Sean Longstaff down to a new deal at St James’ Park, according to The Times.

Football League World revealed in the latter stages of last month that Championship club West Bromwich Albion were monitoring his situation ahead of a potential move for the midfielder in the summer, with Steve Bruce seemingly keen on taking one of his former players to The Hawthorns.

This is despite the turbulent spell the 61-year-old endured on Tyneside, with Longstaff previously looking as though he may have departed in the summer, making just 17 league appearances and mainly operating from the bench under Eddie Howe.

His contract is due to expire at the end of the season in what previously looked to be a major boost for Albion who will be on the prowl for new midfielders amid a lack of depth in that area.

Although Jake Livermore and Alex Mowatt are both established starters, with Jayson Molumby available as a backup option and Adam Reach often taking up an advanced midfield position, they are in desperate need of adding more options in this position with the Baggies moving away from the 3-4-3 system.

As well as this, Molumby is due to head back to loan side Brighton and Hove Albion at the end of 2021/22, leaving Bruce with a lot of work to do in the summer within what could be a tight budget after seeing his side fork out a reported £7m fee for his services.

In a blow to Albion, The Times have now revealed that Newcastle have entered preliminary contract talks with target Longstaff, all but ruling out a permanent move if he signs fresh terms at St James’ Park.

The Verdict:

This shouldn’t be too demoralising for the second-tier side’s recruitment team because they should