What a time it is to be a Leeds United fan.

With promotion from the Championship wrapped up it's time for attentions to turn to the challenge ahead.

Returning to the Premier League is going to be no walk in the park - after all, a lot has changed since the Whites were last there 16 years ago.

The difference in class between the top flight and the Championship is like night and day, and Leeds must be prepared if they're to last the pace with the big guns.

If Marcelo Bielsa's side are serious about sticking around in the Premier League, they'll need to strengthen.

One player who has been linked is Matty Longstaff who is a target for Leeds, according to The Telegraph.

The player is out of contract and so would be available for a nominal fee due to him being under the age of 24.

While a move is yet to be made, Leeds favourite Noel Whelan has been discussing the interest and says that the midfielder would be the perfect signing.

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Speaking to Football Insider, Whelan said: “We know he’s got talent, no doubt about it from watching him at Newcastle

“I just think Newcastle have left it a little bit too late, they had all their cards on the fact that they were going to have the takeover done.

“Now they’ve actually put themselves into a bad position where they could lose their players for nothing.

“I would love to see him at the club. Again, he’s one of those players that I think Marcelo Bielsa would improve and get the best out of.

“He’s at the right age, he’s got aggression, an eye for goal and is calm and collected in possession.

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“I don’t think you can have enough good quality players when you’re in the Premier League, especially when you’re newly promoted. He knows what it’s all about as well.”

GIVEMESPORT'S Phil Spencer says...

Matty Longstaff would be a great signing for Leeds United.

Marcelo Bielsa loves working with talented young players and the Newcastle United man is a lad with a lot of potential.

At 20 years of age he's already showed what he's about, and he's only going to get better.

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The baffling thing is how the midfielder is available at all this summer.

It's madness that the Magpies haven't tied the talented youngster down to a new contract before now.

Longstaff could have quite easily been the future of the club, but instead he looks set to leave for nothing.

If they were to lose him to Leeds United for free it would be nothing short of a travesty.