Newcastle United would reportedly be prepared to sell Sean Longstaff for the right price in January.
Having come through the academy at St James' Park, the midfielder has an important connection between the squad and supporters at St James' Park.
Furthermore, the 26-year-old has established himself as a regular in Eddie Howe's starting lineup, now contributing 11 goals and 11 assists from his 161 appearances in all competitions for the Magpies.
However, Newcastle have reached somewhat of an impasse in their efforts to build on the early spending under Saudi-Arabian owners PIF (Public Investment Fund).
FFP restrictions are preventing the Premier League outfit from making the level of additions that they would like to ensure that they remain in European competition for 2024-25.
© Reuters
A short-term replacement, at least in the short term, is required for Sandro Tonali with the Italian midfielder sidelined until August while he serves a ban for breaching betting regulations.
Manchester City's Kalvin Phillips has been heavily linked with a switch to the North East, yet the demands of the top-flight champions is currently making it difficult to get a loan deal over the line.
As such, The Sun reports that Newcastle are not against cashing in on Longstaff to provide themselves with more opportunities in the market.
Selling homegrown talent is Newcastle's best way to bolster their books as soon as possible, yet they are lacking players who fit such criteria aside from Longstaff.
© Reuters
Howe is likely to be against parting ways with a player who has featured in 50 of Newcastle's last 58 Premier League fixtures, starting on 40 occasions.
Nevertheless, failure to qualify for the Champions League knockout stages or even the last 32 of the Europa League has left Newcastle in a predicament as to how to handle their business in January.
Newcastle have few other sellable assets, with any fringe members in the senior ranks unlikely to generate any substantial fees.
Bruno Guimaraes is unlikely to be sold, despite suggestions of an astronomical bid from Paris Saint-Germain, while a commitment is in place to sign Lewis Hall from Chelsea for £28m at the conclusion of his loan spell.
Darren Plant
