Martin Keown said player Leeds United are in talks to sign was ‘better than Declan Rice’

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Leeds United are stamping their foot down in the transfer market as many signings could be confirmed in the coming days.

Daniel Farke is looking to bolster his squad even more with Gabriel Gudmundsson close to signing.

Leeds have sorted their left-back situation very quickly, but now it might be time for the 49ers to look further up the pitch.

Midfielders have been the position where Leeds have struggled to sign efficiently, as two main targets were taken by Sunderland.

Anton Stach could be a better option, but someone who is now in talks was said to once be ‘better than Declan Rice’.

Leeds United target Sean Longstaff was once ‘better than Declan Rice’

It’s been recently confirmed that Leeds are in talks for Sean Longstaff, as a £12m deal has been put on the table for Newcastle United.

His experience could be unmatched, as Farke has been tracking the Newcastle midfielder for some time now, and his services could come in handy.

With the Whites close to cementing a deal, Longstaff is in his prime after being implemented as a useful tool for Eddie Howe.

The 27-year-old rose through the Magpies’ academy and has some pedigree with Longstaff being labelled as ‘outstanding’.

Well, looking back to when he was a consistent player in Newcastle’s plan, Longstaff got some high praise from pundit Martin Keown.

Keown spoke to BT Sport on Longstaff in February 2019 after Newcastle beat Burnley 2-0, with the midfielder grabbing a goal.

“Longstaff, it reminds me of a Michael Carrick-type performance tonight, the way he’s stroking the ball about. He wins it in the build-up and straight away makes the necessary pass,” Keown said.

“He follows it into the box and he’s a very confident young man. He’s got great technique.

“Rice that plays for West Ham. We have often talked about him. I think this fella is maybe better. He’s technically better, the way he strikes the ball. He lost the ball once in midfield but he’s been very impressive so far.”

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Leeds are adding a different type of midfielder in Longstaff

Farke will want to explore different options to rely upon in the Premier League, and that’s exactly what he can use with Longstaff.

Although he’s struggled for gametime in the top flight this campaign, Longstaff proved beforehand that he can perform very well in a major role, which is what Leeds will provide him.

Keown’s shout to say he was better than Rice was a disappointing prediction, but he wasn’t wrong in some aspect.

This is due to the 27-year-old’s ball-striking, which can be used as a pivotal tool for Farke, as he’s not your usual number eight in terms of passing and linking up-play, but more of an attacking outlet that can be used, as his late runs into the box are admired.

Sandro Tonali called Longstaff ‘underrated’, and he could be perfect for a Leeds side looking to go under the radar.

With Longstaff proving to be more attacking, Farke could have the perfect pivot if Stach decides to join as well.