Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley has made a rare public statement over Manchester United's transfer interest in one of his star players, declaring unequivocally that Sean Longstaff is not for sale.
United are interested in signing Longstaff as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer looks to overhaul his midfield following the departure of Ander Herrera at the end of last season. The Reds are also keen on Sporting CP playmaker Bruno Fernandes in that position.
Yet on Longstaff, they have been told that Newcastle don't want to sell, with manager Steve Bruce confident of keeping the talented 21-year-old.
And now Ashley, who has been interviewed in the Daily Mail , has reaffirmed that message.
"The message we want to put out is that he is not for sale," he said. "If you've got one like Sean – keep him."
The news will come as a blow to Solskjaer who, MEN Sport understands, remains keen to add two more transfers to the additions of Daniel James and Aaron Wan-Bissaka this summer.
Longstaff has only played nine times for the Newcastle first team, but impressed under former boss Rafa Benitez this season and United believe he could improve at the club to fill a defensive midfield berth. Scott McTominay, Fred and Nemanja Matic are United's current options to play that role if Longstaff does not arrive.
