Sean Longstaff rubs salt in Leeds United wounds with Newcastle boss Eddie Howe watching on

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Leeds United’s chances of signing Sean Longstaff from Newcastle United are as good as over, and that feeling has been strengthened this weekend, as Newcastle got their pre-season campaign underway.

At the start of the week, the feeling was very different. Leeds had just signed Gabriel Gudmundsson and it was expected that Sean Longstaff would follow after Leeds tabled a £12m offer for the Newcastle player.

A third offer, with personal terms agreed. However, after initial reports said it had been accepted, it was made clear that in fact, the bid had been rejected. Now, it remains unclear if Leeds will table a new offer.

Graeme Bailey has told LeedsUnited.News that a fourth bid is likely, but Leeds are not confident about doing a deal. Adam Underwood has adopted the approach of refusing to spend, if it is over the odds.

• READ MORE: Leeds still ‘in the mix’ for England star but will have to wait until August

Sean Longstaff reminds Newcastle and Leeds what he can do

Newcastle got their pre-season campaign off to a routine win on Saturday, facing Mark Hughes’ Carlisle United behind the scenes. Eddie Howe’s men cruised to a 4-0 win over the National League outfit.

Despite all the speculation, Howe started Longstaff. Perhaps a sign from the Newcastle manager that he intends to keep him, and well, Longstaff repaid him as the midfielder opened the scoring for Newcastle.

While no footage of Longstaff’s goal has emerged, Newcastle’s website describes Longstaff’s effort as a “spectacular, swerving, long-range strike”. With Howe watching, Longstaff will have caught his eye.

Longstaff goal typical as Leeds begin to pursue other targets

The need for midfielders is large at Leeds. Joe Rothwell has gone to Rangers and Josuha Guilavogui has seen his deal expire, taking Leeds’ options in central midfield from five to three and signings are needed.

Not simply in terms of depth, but Premier League experience, too. Two of Leeds’ three midfielders have never played in England’s top tier in Ilia Gruev and Ao Tanaka. Ethan Ampadu has only played 26 times.

So, Leeds need a player like Longstaff who has huge Premier League experience, boasting 171 games. But his goal is typical, perfect timing for those who want him to stay, leaving Leeds pursuing other targets.