Man Utd & Celtic send scouts to watch NUFC duo – Club now at risk of losing both – Report

According to The Chronicle, both Manchester United and Celtic scouts were present to watch top NUFC talents Sean Longstaff and Freddie Woodman during the U-23’s defeat to Southampton last week.

Despite impressing over pre-season, Longstaff’s current deal expires at the end of the season – with The Chronicle stating that clubs outside of England will be able to sign him for just £300,000, while English clubs can sign him for a ‘compensation fee set by a tribunal’.

Woodman’s deal also runs out next year, and he’s someone bound to be frustrated – with the story confirming that the club ‘blocked’ potential loan moves to Charlton or Oxford over the summer, meaning he’s forced to play with the reserves over the first half of the season (which is hardly ideal for an England U-21 international).

Here’s a snippet from the piece, confirming that both Celtic and Manchester United had scouts present to watch the pair last week:

“Newcastle United youngsters Freddie Woodman and Sean Longstaff were both checked out by a host of scouts during Friday night’s Under-23 defeat against Southampton.

“Both Woodman and Longstaff are both yet to agree new deals with the Magpies, prompting interest from a clutch of clubs interested in potential bargains.

“The pair were watched by scouts from Celtic, Manchester United and Kilmarnock.”

Whilst Rafa will be fully aware that these are two of our most promising youngsters, we are at risk of losing both if we don’t act.

I see Longstaff staying and getting a look in at first-team level before long, but I do worry that Woodman could get fed up soon if he fails to either break into the senior set up or secure some attractive loan moves.

After all, an England U-21 international should not be spending half the season in our reserves.

Hopefully Longstaff can agree a new deal and the club can sanction a much needed loan move for Woodman. We can’t afford lose our best young players when they are often so few and far between at NUFC these days.

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