The midfield minefield that Magpies need to navigate

MILEY AND WILLOCK FACING AN IMPORTANT 12 MONTHS

- By STUART JAMIESON Regional football editor

THE transfer wheels are beginning to turn at Newcastle United as the first breakthroughs of the summer window finally mean all the work behind the scenes is starting to pay off.

Anthony Elanga’s imminent arrival from Nottingham Forest is a sizeable statement of intent from the Magpies, with goalkeeper James Trafford said to be next in line.

It won't be all one-way traffic, of course. We've already said an emotional farewell to Callum Wilson, and another long-serving United stalwart could be about to follow him through the St James' Park exit door.

Sean Longstaff has served Newcastle with passion, determination and no little style for the best part of a decade, but now the 27-year-old's time on Tyneside could soon be at an end.

Leeds United have had a £12m bid accepted for the North Shields-born midfielder, with the ball very much in Longstaff’s court. His first-team opportunities have been few and far between in the last six months and, on the face of it, this looks like a deal which will suit all parties.

As a homegrown player, any transfer fee will be classed as pure profit for PSR purposes, allowing Newcastle to reinvest in the remainder of the window. And make no mistake, they will have to.