Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has not given up hope of signing Sean Longstaff, despite Newcastle’s extortionate valuation of the midfielder.
The 21-year-old was identified by the Red Devils towards the end of last season as a replacement for Ander Herrera, who was allowed to join Paris Saint-Germain on a free transfer.
Longstaff has made just 10 Premier League appearances for the Magpies but Michael Carrick vouched for the midfielder’s quality and character.
Ed Woodward, United’s executive vice-chairman, was confident of concluding a £25m deal for Longstaff but he was shocked by Newcastle’s demand of £50m.
The Red Devils made a bid of around £30m but it was rejected and they decided not to pursue the deal further.
However, ESPN report that Solskjaer remains keen on Longstaff and wants the club to resurrect their move for him.
United remain intent on keeping Paul Pogba and will not sell him this summer.
However, it’s likely that Real Madrid will move for him against in 2020 and United are resigned to him leaving at some point.
With that in mind, Longstaff could be lined up as Pogba’s replacement, though the club would surely seek at least one more recruit to compensate for the Frenchman’s departure.
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