Leicester City are reportedly contemplating a £15 million bid for Newcastle United’s Sean Longstaff. The Foxes’ top priority in their search for Enzo Maresca’s replacement is to fill the managerial vacancy. However, as they prepare for their return to the Premier League, they are also looking ahead to the summer transfer window, which opens next Friday. According to The Mirror, City has been keeping an eye on midfielder Longstaff for several months. They are thought to be eager to develop their interest into something more tangible.
A proposal of £15 million for the 26-year-old is apparently being “prepared”. He has one year left on his contract at St James’ Park, and a deal “holds appeal” for the Magpies, despite manager Eddie Howe’s fondness for the player. And as City scouts the Newcastle player, Kelechi Iheanacho may head in the opposite direction. The Mirror adds that the Magpies “could be interested” in the 27-year-old after the Foxes announced his release by publishing their retained list on Friday.
Before his departure, Maresca stated that City would have a “low-key” summer of business, implying that sensible deals both in and out are required, with a spending spree out of the question. When it comes to upgrading the squad, it appears that the midfield will require the greatest attention. Dennis Praet has left, Yunus Akgun has not returned from his loan spell, and Wilfred Ndidi’s future is uncertain, leaving City with only one advanced midfielder, and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall is not guaranteed to stay. Even if the incoming manager does not use the same setup, City will want a pair of forward-thinking midfielders.
Even if Ndidi stays, it’s possible that he’ll back to a defensive role now that City is performing better. City, like other Premier League clubs, must be cognizant of Profitability and Sustainability Rule calculations.
