TRANSFER UPDATE: Manchester United start negotiations to sign Newcastle midfielder

Manchester United have started talks to sign Newcastle United midfielder Sean Longstaff. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer wants to bolster his squad after not being able to qualify for next season’s Champions League. According to the Daily Mail, United have now held ‘initial discussions’ over a potential deal for Longstaff, who is on Solskjaer’s summer shortlist. The 21-year-old came through Newcastle’s academy and was given his senior debut by Rafa Benitez in December. Speaking earlier this season about Longstaff’s development, Benitez admitted he was impressed with the midfielder’s application in training. "He’s a lad who can be quite shy, but he’s very mature," said the Newcastle manager. "He’s keen to learn, he listens to my staff and tries to do the things that you’re telling him. Normally, young players need time because of the pace of the Premier League. "But, technically, he’s already fine. He’s a worker, he trains well, he’s listening and getting better and better."

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