Yahoo News Leicester City plotting £15m bid as Newcastle transfer deal 'holds appeal'
Leicester City are said to be plotting a £15 million swoop for Newcastle United’s Sean Longstaff.
Filling their managerial vacancy is the priority for the Foxes as they search for Enzo Maresca’s replacement. But they also have an eye on the opening of the summer transfer window next Friday as they prepare for their return to the Premier League.
According to The Mirror, City have been keeping an eye on midfielder Longstaff for a number of months. They are said to now be ready to turn that interest into something more concrete.
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A £15m bid for the 26-year-old is reportedly being “prepared”. He has a year left on his contract at St James’ Park and a deal “holds appeal” for the Magpies, despite boss Eddie Howe’s admiration for the player.
And as City eye up the Newcastle man, it could be that Kelechi Iheanacho heads in the opposite direction. The Mirror add that the Magpies “could be interested” in the 27-year-old after the Foxes confirmed his release with the publication of their retained list on Friday.
Before his departure, Maresca said City would have a “low-key” summer of business, meaning smart deals both in and out are required with a spending spree not an option. When it comes to improving the squad, the midfield looks to be the area requiring the most attention.
With Dennis Praet leaving, with Yunus Akgun not returning after his loan spell, and with Wilfred Ndidi's future up in the air, City are down to just one advanced midfielder, and there's no guarantee Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall stays either. Even if the new manager does not set up in the same way, City are going to need a couple of forward-thinking midfielders. Even if Ndidi stays, it may be that he reverts to operating in a defensive role now that City are playing at a higher level.
Like other Premier League clubs City are having to be mindful of their Profitability & Sustainability Rule calculations.
