Manchester United have made initial enquiries over a possible £20million move for Newcastle United midfielder Sean Longstaff.

The 21-year-old has been earmarked as a potential replacement for Ander Herrera and is viewed as a player who could emulate United coach and fellow Geordie Michael Carrick.

Newcastle say they will resist offers for a talent that has progressed through their academy via loan spells at Kilmarnock and Blackpool.

Sean Longstaff is attracting interest from Manchester United after a breakthrough season

Much could depend on the outcome of talks between manager Rafa Benitez and owner Mike Ashley this week.

Benitez wants his own future resolved but part of those negotiations will centre on what finances the Spanish coach could have at his disposal to take the club forward. Several players are expected to be sold to help boost those funds.

Longstaff was enjoying a break-out season up until a posterior ligament injury curtailed his campaign in March.

Indeed, he has only made nine Premier League appearances since his debut on Boxing Day but United scouts saw enough in that time to convince them he can make an impact at Old Trafford.

He impressed, notably against Manchester City, and was also poised to earn a call-up for the England U21 squad for the forthcoming European Championships.

He has blossomed under the tutelage of Benitez who has recognised Longstaff's potential.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is set on rebuilding his Manchester United side with younger talent

'I can see that [the Carrick likeness],' said Newcastle’s manager. 'But, at this stage, Sean has more mobility and stamina. Certainly he has the technique and he can use both feet as well.

'Sean wouldn’t look out of place with England, there are not too many young English players with his quality. His vision is good, there are just a few things he has to improve but he listens to us and is learning quickly. He’s someone who is normally calm under pressure and that’s a good thing for a midfielder.'

Longstaff's recovery from injury has gone well so far and he is expected to be fit for the start of pre-season. He has two years left on contract at Newcastle but is understood to be on a relatively low salary.

Talks had been scheduled to take place over a new deal yet Manchester United's interest could make those redundant.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer wants young, hungry players to change the dressing room dynamic in his squad.

Talks are at an advanced stage with Swansea City for winger Daniel James while Crystal Palace right-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka is also a target though Palace want £40million for the 21-year-old.

Enquiries have also been made for Lille's £55m-rated prolific forward Nicolas Pepe.