Manchester United to step up Longstaff pursuit this week

Manchester United will make a formal bid for Newcastle midfielder Sean Longstaff this week, claims The Daily Telegraph.

Longstaff has emerged as a surprise transfer target for United this summer, as manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer continues to pursue young British players.

United have already signed Daniel James and Aaron Wan-Bissaka – both 21 – in this window and are now aiming to wrap up a quick deal for Longstaff.

The Red Devils fly out to Australia for the start of their pre-season tour on Sunday and Solskjaer wants his transfer business concluded before then.

Longstaff, who is valued at £25m, is currently on the mend from a serious knee injury sustained in March and the 21-year-old is expected to miss the start of the season.

The Newcastle academy graduate only has nine top-flight appearances to his name but did impress in that time under Rafa Benitez.

Newcastle are currently managerless following Benitez’s decision to walk away from the club and it remains to be seen how that may impact United’s pursuit of Longstaff.

The Magpies won half of the eight matches Longstaff started in the Premier League last season compared to a win ratio of just 26.7% in the league games he did not start.