Leeds make enquiry to sign £80k-p/w midfielder compared to Rodrigo de Paul
Leeds United have enquired over the potential signing of a Premier League player in the summer transfer window, according to a new report.
Leeds eyeing Longstaff and others this summer
Newcastle United midfielder Sean Longstaff has emerged a priority target for the Whites ahead of next season, as Daniel Farke looks to bring in players with genuine Premier League experience.
The Englishman is allowed to leave St James’ Park in the coming weeks, with Eddie Howe unable to promise him regular playing time, and he could be a shrewd acquisition for Leeds. In fact, they have even reportedly agreed personal terms with the 27-year-old, although a £12m offer has been rejected by the Magpies.
Longstaff is far from the only player being linked with a move to Elland Road this summer, however, with goalkeeping pair Dominik Livakovic and Angus Gunn thought to be on the Whites’ radar. The former is at Fenerbahce currently, while the latter is a free agent after leaving Norwich City.
Meanwhile, Aston Villa attacking ace Emiliano Buendia has also emerged as a rumoured target for Leeds, with the 28-year-old capable of adding a huge amount of quality in the final third. Now, another Premier League player has been mentioned as an option for Farke’s side.
Leeds enquire over another Premier League midfielder
According to a new claim from Punch Sport [via MOT Leeds News], Leeds have enquired over the availability of Newcastle midfielder Joe Willock this summer during discussions for Longstaff.
The Magpies are reportedly open to the idea of selling the 25-year-old before the new season gets underway, but he prefers the idea of joining a different Premier League rival instead.
The £80,000-a-week Willock could be a top-quality signing for Leeds, and if they could bring in both him and Longstaff, it would feel like excellent business.
Willock has been an impressive servant for Newcastle, scoring 18 goals in 143 appearances from midfield and providing strong box-to-box energy, and he has been likened to Argentina and Atletico Madrid midfielder Rodrigo De Paul, who the Whites were linked with back in 2020.
Appearances
32
Starts
11
Minutes played
1077
Goals
0
Assists
2
Tackles per game
0.9
Key passes per game
0.7
Pass completion rate
87%
His versatility allows him to shine in a more attack-minded wide role, too, which could appeal to Farke, and Howe has spoken glowingly about him during their time working together.
“It’s part of what his game brings [scoring big goals]. He’s got that unexpected ability to do things that you don’t necessarily know what he’s going to do. I’m sure Joe doesn’t know. He’s one of those players who acts off instinct. Those instincts are usually creative and goal driven.”
Willock has proven that he is a top-level footballer, also making 78 appearances for Arsenal before his move to Newcastle, but he will want to be starting games regularly at this stage in his career, which doesn’t feel likely at Newcastle.
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Leeds could be perfect for him in that respect, allowing him to be a star man, and he possesses the natural talent and work ethic to be a crowd favourite at Elland Road.