OPINION
With another Premier League season over, the start of the transfer window is the next chance to get excited for fans – that or a chance for them to fear the departure of their star players.
Newcastle United fans have been continually checking for updates on Rafael Benitez’s ongoing contract saga and now they have the story that Mike Ashley is in talks over a takeover deal.
With so much going on, they could be forgiven for missing out on the claims, revealed by the Irish Times, of a potential move from Manchester United for midfield breakout starlet Sean Longstaff.
Manchester United are reportedly ready to offer up to £25million but Kevin Kilbane reiterated to the Off The Ball podcast, as quoted by The Chronicle, that it wouldn’t be in the youngster’s best interests to join the Reds:
“A good player [but] it’s still too early in my mind. It’s too early for that one. Bad idea for now,” he told the Off The Ball podcast.
Kilbane is definitely right to advise Longstaff against the move and the young English midfielder would be much better placed in a midfield where he is guaranteed much more game time under Rafael Benitez.
Longstaff made his full debut in December for Newcastle and made nine appearances before being ruled out for the season with a knee injury against West Ham in March.
With players such as Isaac Hayden expected to exit the club in the summer, Longstaff staying at Newcastle could give him a great opportunity to cement his place in the starting eleven under Benitez for years to come.
A move to Manchester United would be too early for the 21-year-old who hasn’t even completed a full season in the Premier League in his short stay.