Middlesbrough are weighing up a potential swoop for Newcastle United midfielder Sean Longstaff ahead of the summer transfer window, according to a report from TEAMtalk.

However, any potential deal for the 24-year-old is likely to depend on whether Boro are able to achieve promotion to the Premier League this season.

Longstaff's current contract with the Magpies is set to expire in June and he has yet to agree fresh terms with the club despite entering negotiations last month.

During the current campaign, the midfielder has been deployed on a sporadic basis by Newcastle in the Premier League as he has only featured in 18 of their 31 league games.

Left on the bench by Eddie Howe for six of the club's last nine fixtures, Longstaff may not be forced to watch on from the sidelines again tonight when the Magpies take on Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Longstaff is the second Newcastle player to be linked with a move to the Riverside Stadium this month.

As reported exclusively by FLW at the start of April, Boro are keen on signing full-back Jamal Lewis from the Magpies.

Lewis was left out of Newcastle's 25-man Premier League squad for the second-half of the season in February along with Ciaran Clark and Isaac Hayden.

The Verdict

This could turn out to be somewhat of a coup for Middlesbrough if they are able to convince Longstaff to make the move to Teesside.

Whereas the Newcastle academy graduate has struggled to make inroads on the club's starting eleven since the turn of the year due to the presence of Jonjo Shelvey and Joelinton, he unquestionably possesses a great deal of potential.

However, by extending his stay with the Magpies instead of seeking a move elsewhere this summer, Longstaff could risk stalling his career as he has also recently fallen below January arrival Bruno Guimaraes in the pecking order at St James' Park.

Longstaff has managed to provide seven direct goal contributions from central-midfield in the top-flight and could benefit from the guidance of Wilder next season.

Having helped to nurture the development of Isaiah Jones and Folarin Balogun during his time in charge of Boro, there is no reason why Wilder cannot go on to get the very best out of Longstaff.