Sky Sports journalist Dharmesh Sheth has provided some details on Newcastle United and their attempts to sign Dan Burn.
Newcastle have found themselves linked to a whole host of players so far this window, which is unsurprising when you consider how much they have to spend, as well as their need to try and stay in the Premier League.
One of the positions they’ve particularly needed to address is in defence, as they’ve conceded 43 goals in their 21 games so far, the second-most of anyone in the league, with recent reports linking them with a move for the 29-year-old Brighton & Hove Albion defender.
Sheth spoke about the situation on the latest edition of Sky Sports News’ The Transfer Show, breaking down the matter into smaller details, revealing that although a deal may have been rejected to begin with, it shouldn’t be ruled out as a possibility before the window closes.
He said: “Newcastle are interested in the Brighton defender; one source has said that they made a £7m bid. If it’s the first bid, you’d expect Brighton to come back and say no thanks. They know how much money Newcastle have got, let’s try and get as much money as we can. And I know that’s what Newcastle are feeling at the moment – that a lot of clubs are thinking ‘it’s Newcastle, let’s see how much money we can get’.
“But Newcastle have been in the market for a left-footed centre back throughout this transfer window. They’ve turned their attention to Dan Burn. Now, Burn’s actually a Newcastle fan, was in the academy until the age of 11.
“He’s only got 18 months left on his contract – that could prove significant, because if he’s not going to sign a new one, Brighton may want to cash in during this transfer window. So keep an eye on that one, may not have heard the last of that.”
TIF Thoughts on Dharmesh Sheth’s comments about Newcastle United and Dan Burn…
Will Newcastle sign a new centre back?
Yes!
No!
Given the types of defenders Newcastle United have been linked with such as Sven Botman, who has been described as a ‘rising defensive star’, to end the window being linked with someone like Burn – who whilst experienced in the Premier League, isn’t in the same league as someone like Botman in terms of what he can offer to Eddie Howe’s men – is a move that smacks of desperation.
It would almost seem as though Newcastle are trying to bring in anyone to make it look like they have done some business rather than looking for someone who could actually make a significant impact on the team.
There is still some time for other deals to be done, so it could be the case that other deals for centre-backs come through and they won’t have to bring in Burn, otherwise you have to wonder how much of a fight against relegation they’re going to put up between now and the end of the season.
In other news: ‘That one can get done’ – Journalist drops exciting Newcastle claim with deal ‘easy’ to seal