Manchester United want to make Sean Longstaff their third signing of the summer and will table an opening £15million bid for the Newcastle United star next week, reports say.
The Red Devils, who finished sixth in the Premier League last season, are determined to significantly bolster Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s squad at Old Trafford.
They signed Welsh winger Daniel James from Swansea City earlier in the month, before completing a £50m deal for Crystal Palace’s Aaron Wan-Bissaka on Saturday.
United’s attentions have now turned to midfield reinforcements, with Solskjaer hoping to sign at least two players in that position following the departures of Marouane Fellaini and Ander Herrera.
Longstaff, 21, has been a figure of interest and Manchester United will submit an opening offer of £15m plus add-ons for the Englishman next week, according to the Daily Mail.
What looked destined to become Longstaff’s breakthrough season was cut short due to an injury in March, but he is rated highly by Old Trafford chiefs.
He appeared to rule out a summer move at the start of the month when he reiterated his desire to stay at St James’ Park, but Newcastle’s and his resolve will be tested in the coming weeks.
Speaking to NUFC TV, Longstaff said: ‘If someone told us at the start of the season that by the end of it you’d be linked with these teams I’d have laughed at them but it’s nice, it’s flattering.
A special delivery for Ole! ?
It’s a pleasure to welcome you to #MUFC, @AWBissaka ? pic.twitter.com/hHfSmL8JSu
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) June 29, 2019
‘I’m massively flattered to have my name even mentioned in those conversations but like I said, I’m 100% focused on Newcastle and trying to get fit and get back in the team here.’
Solskjaer will try to sign a third midfielder this summer if Paul Pogba leaves. The French World Cup winner has emerged as key target for Real Madrid and is keen to join the La Liga champions.
Wan-Bissaka, meanwhile, has spoken out after officially becoming a Manchester United player.
‘It’s an unbelievable feeling and an honour to become a United player and something I know that only a small number of players have the privilege to say,’ he said today.
