Manchester United have been dealt a blow in their pursuit of Sean Longstaff after the Newcastle United midfielder stated his desire to remain at St James' Park next season.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has identified Longstaff as a key summer transfer target as the United boss looks to strengthen his midfield options by buying young and talented British players.
The 21-year-old fits into that category, and United had hoped a bid of £25m would be enough to persuade Newcastle to sell Longstaff to them.
While describing United's interest as "flattering", however, Longstaff has now suggested he is ready to snub a move to Old Trafford to continue his development at Newcastle.
Speaking to NUFC TV, he said: "It just shows how far I’ve come.
"If someone told us at the start of the season that by the end of it you’d be linked with these teams I’d have laughed at them but it’s nice, it’s flattering.
"I’m massively flattered to have my name even mentioned in those conversations but like I said, I’m 100% focused on Newcastle and trying to get fit and get back in the team here.
"For me it’s nice to be have said about you and be linked with top clubs but for me, this is what I’ve always wanted to do.
"I’ve always wanted to play for Newcastle and I’ve only had a little taste of that so for me, it’s about getting fit as soon as I can and getting back on the pitch for Newcastle and making more memories of the future."
