Newcastle midfielder Sean Longstaff reveals how close he was to Portsmouth loan move

Fomer Pompey target and Newcastle midfielder Sean Longstaff in action against Manchester United. Picture: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images

The highly-rated midfielder confirmed he was due to travel to the south coast before the Magpies pulled the plug at the 11th hour.

Longstaff was a firm Blues target during the summer of 2018, after impressing for League One rivals Blackpool the previous season.

However, the St James’ Park academy graduate caught the eye of then-boss Rafa Benitez in training, which caused the Spaniard to place Longstaff in his plans for the Premier League campaign.

Longstaff has subsequently become a regular for his boyhood club and was linked with a move to Manchester United last summer.

The North Shields-born ace would have undoubtedly made a substantial impact for Pompey, with their 2018-19 season ending with a play-off semi-final defeat to Sunderland.

Speaking in a recent interview with the Shields Gazette, Longstaff said: ‘It’s been amazing. I think it was the Friday I was meant to go to Portsmouth, to staying and having the year I had was unbelievable.

‘To go out and play football for Newcastle is something I’ve always dreamt of. It’s been a great year.

‘There have been ups and downs along the way – that’s always going to happen – and I’m looking forward to building on this year and seeing what happens.’