“A terrific signing” - Leeds United urged to finalise Newcastle United swoop | OneFootball

Carlton Palmer believes that former club Leeds United would be making a shrewd signing if they can bring Sean Longstaff to the club from Newcastle United.

Leeds United interested in Sean Longstaff

The Whites have enjoyed a brilliant 2024 under Daniel Farke, and their remarkable winning run continued on Sunday, as they beat Millwall at Elland Road to move to the top of the Championship.

So, promotion is looking like a very real possibility for Leeds, and they will no doubt be targeting the title given their form.

Despite the excellent squad at Farke’s disposal, it’s clear the club would need new additions if they did go up, and it appears the recruitment team are planning for that scenario, as it’s been suggested Leeds are keen on Longstaff.

The midfielder has been an important figure for Eddie Howe’s side in the past few years, but, like many of his teammates, his form has dipped in the current campaign.

Newcastle’s PSR situation

Even with their wealthy owners, Newcastle’s financial power has been restricted by the profit and sustainability rules in place.

Therefore, selling an academy graduate like Longstaff, who would represent pure profit if he did depart, would give the club more freedom to buy players.

So, with the midfielder also entering the final year of his contract this summer, there’s a chance he could move on when the window opens.

Carlton Palmer on Leeds United’s pursuit of Sean Longstaff

And, speaking to FLW, former England international Palmer made it clear that this would be a good bit of business for the Yorkshire side if they could get it done.

“He’s only got a year left on his contract, so this would be a very, very good signing. The 26-year-old has played 135 Premier League games, and he would be a good addition for Leeds United.

“It has been reported that Newcastle would want a fee of around £15m and that would fall into Leeds’ budget.

“This is what you’ve got to do, and Daniel Farke is doing exactly what a manager should be doing now. I think Leeds have a great chance of going up, so you have to be looking at players. You don’t want to be doing business late, you want to get the players in, because it’s already tough enough for Championship clubs to remain in the Premier League when they get promoted.

“This would be a terrific signing for Leeds, a really strong signing for the football club. It’s one thing getting to the Premier League, but it’s another thing staying there.”

Of course, any deal for Longstaff will depend on Leeds winning promotion, and even with their outstanding form, there’s still a lot of work to do on that front.

Farke’s men currently hold a one-point lead over third-placed Ipswich Town as they prepare for the run-in, with Leeds next in action when they travel to Watford after the international break.