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Mike Ashley makes eight-word vow to Newcastle fans over Man Utd target Sean Longstaff
NEWCASTLE UNITED owner Mike Ashley is adamant Sean Longstaff won’t be sold to Manchester United this summer.
Sean Longstaff: Pundits debate Newcastle's £50 million demand
Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is looking to strengthen his squad in several areas this summer with an emphasis on brining in young players.
Despite Longstaff having only made eight Premier League appearances for Newcastle last season the 46-year-old Norwegian sees potential in the central midfielder.
United are reportedly considering making a £30million bid for the youngster but the Magpies value the player closer to £50m.
But Ashley wants to make it clear to any interested club that Longstaff is not for sale.
If you've got one like Sean [Longstaff] – keep him
“If you've got one like Sean – keep him,” Ashley told the Daily Mail.
The owner’s words were echoed by the club’s new manager Steve Bruce, who was positive that Longstaff will be part of his squad for the upcoming season.
“That won’t happen. I’m very confident," Bruce said about possible transfer.
“We don’t want to sell our best young players, that’s for sure.”
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The news will no doubt come as a blow to Solskjaer, as he looks to find a replacement for Ander Herrera, who left the club to join Paris Saint-Germain on a free after his contract expired.
As for Newcastle the club recently broke their transfer record when they paid Hoffenheim £40m to secure the services of Joelinton.
The 22-year-old Brazilian scored 11 goals in 35 games for the German side last season.
And after Bruce met Ashley he reassured fans by stating he hopes to bring in several more players before the summer window closes.
“Hopefully, over the next two weeks, we’ll do a bit more as well,” Bruce said.
“Hopefully another three or four.”
One player who could be on his way to St James’ Park is Nice winger Allan Saint-Maximin.
According to French publication RMC the Magpies have increased their offer to €18m (£16.2m).
However, the report claims the Ligue 1 club are actually holding out for €20m (£18m).
Saint-Maximin made 36 appearances for Nice last season, where he scored six goals and created five assists.