Sean Longstaff must be concerned for his future at St James’ Park, with Newcastle United now taking a close look into a possible summer transfer for LOSC Lille star Renato Sanches.
That’s according to But! Football Club, who report Eddie Howe is beginning to give Sanches increased thought for his rebuild. The gaffer is keen to continue strengthening his ranks on Tyneside following a successful January sales, with a central midfielder on his shopping list.
Howe admires Seko Fofana of RC Lens as the Ivory Coast international has hit nine goals in 33 games. He also has one assist in all competitions as the captain of Franck Haise’s side at the Estadio Bollaert-Delelis. But the 26-year-old’s influence has waned drastically this year.
So, Newcastle are looking at Sanches’ situation in more detail as his projected transfer to AC Milan from Lille stalls. Hurdles are continually arising in the Serie A side’s pursuit of the 24-year-old, who has struck home once but offered five assists over 26 games this season.
Sanches is the Rossoneri’s top target and they have a deal in principle with Les Dogues for his services. But they consider the wage the Portuguese’s agent, Jorge Mendes, asks for to be excessive, especially given his past injuries. Yet Sanches has several alternative suitors.
Roma and Juventus could also offer the midfielder a path to Italy at the end of the season. Arsenal, Liverpool and now Newcastle are also considering offering Sanches a new chance in the Premier League after the Lille star’s difficult loan transfer with Swansea in 2017/18.
Sean Longstaff must worry as Newcastle explore move for Lille ace Renato Sanches
Sanches is far from the same prospect that struggled in south Wales on loan from Bayern Munich four years ago. Yet as his contract at the Stade Pierre Mauroy expires next year, 90min note AC Milan are confident of securing his transfer for just £15m this summer.
Howe may jump at a chance to sign Sanches – who Jermaine Jenas called ‘terrific’ on BBC One (21:49, 23/06/21) during Euro 2020 – for that. But the boss chasing Sanches’ transfer from Lille should leave Longstaff fearing for his future with Newcastle beyond the season.
Longstaff – who Howe has called ‘excellent’ – is out of contract in June and has only played eight of a possible 19 Premier League games with the boss. He has also only started three, including one in the club’s last 11 games. Of those 11, he spent six as an unused substitute.
Talks are ongoing over a potential new deal for the academy product. The Times reported in March that Howe and senior Newcastle chiefs are keen to give Longstaff a new contract. But they are yet to agree new terms for the £25k-a-week ace and also now want Sanches.
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