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Newcastle United are set to rebuff any advances from Manchester United for Sean Longstaff this summer, as reported by The Evening Chronicle.

Are Man United interested?

Sky Sports claimed on Friday that the Old Trafford side were showing interest in 21-year-old as they look to build a squad of young, home-grown talent that can develop into trophy winners in Manchester.

The Chronicle though cite St James' Park sources that insist the central midfielder is not for sale this summer, with the player said to be happy with his situation in the north east and the club ready to reward his form this season with a new contract.

There's plenty of behind the scenes work to do before reaching that negotiation point though, with the club still working on retaining the services of manager Rafa Benitez.

Why is Longstaff so important?

After loan spells at Kilmarnock and Blackpool in previous years, the young talent finally made his senior debut for the Magpies this season, impressing Benitez enough to start a string of matches in the English Premier League between December and March.

Loose cannon or vital cog in the Newcastle's machine? The Magpie Channel think it would be a mistake to sell the player in the video below...

Sadly a knee injury cut his season short, but not before being earmarked by Newcastle fans as a talent to build a team around going forward.

His manager tipped him for England honours back in February and there's real hope he can fulfil his potential at St James' Park.

Newcastle haven't exactly been known for their transfer investment in recent years, but if they won't pursue big deals then it's even more important they can retain their exciting young players.

It's a viable squad strategy and although fans will be hoping to see quality arrive in the upcoming transfer window, they'll equally be keen to nurture Longstaff's talent and ensure he gets plenty of first-team opportunities next season.