Man Utd poised to bid for Newcastle's Sean Longstaff as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer looks to strengthen midfield

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Manchester United are poised to move for Sean Longstaff and hope a bid of £25million will be enough to land the Newcastle starlet.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer believes the 21-year-old will develop into a top class all-round midfielder and has identified him as one of a host of emerging British talents he wants to bring to Old Trafford this summer.

United’s interest has come as a surprise to Newcastle, who were holding off talks over improved terms on his contract until Rafa Benitez’s future was resolved.

Now United are hoping to take advantage and prise him away from St James’ Park.

A bid in the region of around £25m is expected to be enough to secure a deal.

On Solskjaer's wishlist: Longstaff is being lined up for a summer move to Manchester United
Getty Images

United waited until the final weeks of the season to express interest in Longstaff, with Solskjaer considering a number of potential targets as he looks to bring in two midfielders this summer.

He fits into the United manager’s strategy of reducing the age profile of his squad and securing the best young players in Britain.

Longstaff is seen as being able to play in a holding role or as a box-to-box midfielder who can score goals.

After losing Ander Herrera and Marouane Fellaini since the turn of the year, Solskjær has identified midfield as a key area in need of address.

Scott McTominay will be given a more prominent role next season, while there will be hope Fred can justify his £52m price tag in his second year in English football.

United have also considered moves for Bruno Fernandes, Idrissa Gueye and Youri Tielemans as Solskjær tries to find the right balance.

His pursuit of the brightest home-grown talent has also seen him track Stoke’s 18-year-old defender Nathan Collins.

United are also ready to open the bidding for Aaron Wan Bissaka, with an offer of £25m for the Crystal Palace right back, while Swansea’s Daniel James is on the verge of a £15m move.

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