Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has told Manchester United to make an opening offer for Sean Longstaff in the coming days.
Solskjaer and Ed Woodward are looking to overhaul United’s squad with homegrown talent this summer and deals for Daniel James, 21, and Aaron Wan-Bissaka, 21, have already been completed.
The Red Devils have now turned their attentions to Longstaff, 21, a player who caught Solskjaer’s eye after breaking into Rafa Benitez’s first-team at Newcastle last term.
Longstaff scored two goals in 11 appearances for the Magpies before a knee ligament put an end to his season in early March.
According to The Times, Solskjaer is keen for United to make a £30million bid for Longstaff this week. However, the report claims Newcastle will fend off United’s advances as they are determined to keep hold of the promising midfielder who came through the club’s academy.
It’s understood Newcastle would only consider an offer of at least £50m for the young Englishman.
Longstaff signed a long-term contract at St James’ Park in December which runs through to the summer of 2022.
United’s search for a new central midfielder has intensified in recent days with Paul Pogba’s future in serious doubt.
Earlier this week, Pogba’s agent, Mino Raiola, claimed the Frenchman is ‘in the process’ of leaving Old Trafford.
‘Everyone within the club from the manager to the owner knows Paul’s wishes,’ Raiola told The Times.
‘Everyone knows the willingness of Paul to move on. We are in the process of that.’
Asked whether Pogba would join United’s pre-season tour, Raiola replied: ‘I cannot tell you anything. I live day by day.’
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