Newcastle United’s winter transfer business is being dominated by outgoing talk so far, with multiple players’ futures still uncertain as the window approaches its conclusion.

Miguel Almiron is on the verge of a return to Atalanta United after six years in the north east in a deal that would net the Magpies £10m. Lloyd Kelly meanwhile has been linked with moves to Fenerbahce and Juventus.

Newcastle are keen to avoid a repeat of last year’s summer window when desperation forced the sales of Yankuba Minteh and Elliot Anderson – and a regular first teamer may be let go this month to remove any worries about making signings ahead of the PSR deadline on June 30.

Mag ‘most likely’ to leave after Almiron and Kelly

The Newcastle section of The Athletic’s latest transfer deal sheet piece has reported that Sean Longstaff is the first team player that “is most likely to leave” after Kelly and Almiron.

The 27-year-old has extended his contract until 2026 meaning there is no immediate need to sell the academy graduate, who would represent ‘pure profit’ from a PSR perspective which could be a key factor in the decision to be open to selling.

Though there is interest from Premier League and Championship clubs, no bid has yet materialised meaning Longstaff could well stay in boyhood club’s colours for the time being. There’s still time before the window slams shut on February 3, however, so this may be one to watch. 

Longstaff’s major drop in minutes

Howe has opted not to change a team that was on a nine game winning run, which was abruptly halted by a 4-1 defeat to Bournemouth, meaning Longstaff has gathered just four Premier League minutes since Christmas.

Bruno Guimaraes ban for the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final against Arsenal wasn’t enough to open up a spot in the XI for Longstaff, with Howe opting to pit Joe Willock against his former side.

Additionally when Longstaff has started, in the midfield three against Bromley alongside Joelinton and Lewis Miley, he was outshone by his teenage counterpart on the day – with the expectation Miley will fill into his fellow geordies squad role soon.

When all fit and available Longstaff can be considered Newcastle’s sixth choice of the six first team midfielders, or at the very least Miley is close in behind and his development may be prioritised.

PSR is ultimately forcing our hand and we must make sales. Unfortunately for Longstaff, coming through our academy and representing 100% profit has made him more expendable in the modern game, as opposed to being a local lad you would hope to keep.