“Leeds United on Verge of SHOCKING £12m Steal for ‘Genius’ Star Man Utd Begged to Sign for £50m!”

Leeds United may be bitter rivals of Manchester United, but that’s unlikely to influence their latest transfer decision — they’re simply capitalising on a smart opportunity in the market.

Leeds fans won’t even direct frustration at the player in question. He’s making a move in his best interest following a season that didn’t quite showcase his full potential.

What Leeds supporters might find frustrating, however, is the contrasting treatment they and other clubs receive in the transfer market — and there’s plenty of evidence to support that feeling.

Leeds United closing in on £12m move

As Leeds gear up for their return to the Premier League, Manchester United might not be too concerned — historically, it’s been a fixture they’ve dominated during the Premier League era.

However, when the two clubs next meet, United will be facing a familiar face — one who was once on their radar.

Back in the 2019 summer window, then-United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was building a core of young English talent.

Harry Maguire was a key part of that plan, arriving in August. But before that, United had their eyes on another rising English star.

Sean Longstaff had just burst onto the scene at Newcastle United, even scoring at Old Trafford.

His performances caught United’s attention, but the deal fell through when Newcastle demanded £50 million — an amount they refused to negotiate.

Now, six years later, Longstaff appears to be heading to Elland Road. According to David Ornstein, Leeds have submitted a £12 million bid for the midfielder.

Manchester United were recently linked with him again, but no official move followed.

A long six years, but the ‘Man Utd tax’ still applies

Much has changed since 2019. Longstaff hasn’t quite lived up to the early promise he showed, but he remains a quality player.

As recently as the 2024/25 season, Newcastle boss Eddie Howe described him as “highly intelligent” during a press conference.

Had Manchester United reignited their interest now, it’s likely Newcastle would’ve demanded around £30 million — maybe more — due to their tense rivalry with the Red Devils.

Despite Longstaff’s contract expiring next summer, Newcastle would surely have driven a hard bargain, just like Chelsea did when United paid £55 million for Mason Mount with only a year left on his deal.

In that light, perhaps United’s cautious stance in the Bryan Mbeumo negotiations isn’t such a bad approach after all.