Newcastle United are reportedly close to signing Brighton defender Dan Burn after their latest bid was accepted by the Seagulls.
The Magpies, after the big-money takeover by the Saudi-led consortium in October, have shown ambition in the transfer window and signed Kieran Trippier and Chris Wood from Atletico Madrid and Burnley respectively. They want to improve their squad further to aid Eddie Howe’s mission of retaining the Toon Army’s top-flight status.
According to The Guardian, Newcastle United have had their £12.5million bid for Dan Burn accepted, after seeing an initial £8million offer rejected by Brighton. The 6ft 7in defender grew up supporting Newcastle and is keen on a move to St. James’ Park.
Burn, 29, has been in the best form of his time at Brighton of late, contributing to some eye-catching results for the Seagulls. After recovering from a knee injury that kept him sidelined for the first two months of the season, he has been a permanent fixture in Graham Potter’s back three, clocking 13 appearances.
Newcastle agree deal for Brighton’s Dan Burn to take spending past £80m https://t.co/Mon2UmM2J1
— The Guardian (@guardian) January 30, 2022
The Englishman was a part of the Brighton side that held Leicester City to a 1-1 draw at the King Power Stadium before the recent international break.
Dan Burn to Newcastle United – A good fit for the Magpies?
The signings of Kieran Trippier and Chris Wood have certainly boosted Newcastle United’s hopes of beating the drop, with the duo helping Eddie Howe’ side pick up four points in the last two games. Yet, there’s a lot of room for improvement for Newcastle, and after adding a right-back and a striker, Eddie Howe wants to bring in a central defender.
And rightly so; the Magpies have the second-worst defence in the division, with 43 goals conceded in 21 games. It is not good reading for a club that wants to challenge for the top prizes in the country after over £300 million takeovers last year.
As things stand, Newcastle have made it one of their top priorities to sign a centre-back before Monday’s transfer deadline, which is why they have set their sights on Dan Burn.
Burn has excelled in a back-three system at Brighton under Graham Potter over the last two years, forming a strong partnership with Lewis Dunk and Adam Webster. The 29-year-old can play in a flat back four, in a back three as well as a left-back, and that sort of versatility is probably why Howe is keen on recruiting him.
At 6ft 7in tall, the Englishman is a towering defender with excellent aerial ability and physicality. He is also a crisp passer and likes to go on mazy runs with the ball at his feet. Due to his aerial prowess and heading ability, Burn is an asset to have at both ends of the pitch.
Growing up supporting Newcastle United, a move to the northeast would be brilliant for Burn and he could make an instant impact for Howe’s side.