NEWCASTLE UNITED midfielder Sean Longstaff is aware of interest from Manchester United, but there has been no contact between the two clubs as of yet.

Reports this morning suggested the Red Devils are becoming increasingly confident a deal can be completed for the 21-year-old midfielder for a fee of £25-30 million.

But sources close to the player, who is nearing a return from a knee injury picked up in a defeat at West Ham United in March, have revealed no bid has been made.

Newcastle have previously made clear that the academy graduate is not for sale, but Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s interest is genuine.

Longstaff, who has made just nine Premier League appearances for Newcastle, signed a new contract recently and wants to stay at St James’ Park. His sole focus is on returning back for the first day of pre-season on Thursday.

The possibility of a deal has been complicated further by the news that Magpies boss Rafael Benitez will be leaving once his contract expires on Sunday.

The search for his replacement is underway, with Nice’s Patrick Vieira and Manchester City assistant manager Mikel Arteta among the favourites for the job.