Lee Clark believes his former Birmingham City ace Dan Burn would be an excellent addition to Newcastle United’s Premier League roster, speaking to The Chronicle.
He may not be a Europa League champion like Diego Carlos. He may not have a Ligue 1 winner’s medal hanging around his neck like Sven Botman.
But what Burn lacks in trophies and elite-level talent, he more than makes up for in proven Premier League quality.
At 29, he has a vast amount experience under his belt.
And, under the highly-rated Graham Potter at Brighton, Burn has added a number of strings to his bow, shining as a left-back and a left-wing back on the South Coast.
Newcastle failed with a bid of £10 million earlier this week (The Sun).
Eddie Howe is desperate to reinforce the division’s second-most porous backline before the Monday deadline, however, and Newcastle aren’t taking no for an answer with Brighton expected to demand around £12 million.
Will Newcastle snap up Brighton’s Dan Burn?
“I worked with Dan at Birmingham,” says Clark, a Tyneside hero who spent two years in the St Andrews dugout from 2012 to 2014.
“He has been linked strongly with the club and I can see it happening for various reasons. He’s an experienced Premier League player. And he can play at left-back and centre-back so he will give the squad balance.
“He’s done a great job at Brighton, and he’s obviously a threat from set-plays because of his 6ft 7in frame.”
What’s more, Burn is a boyhood Newcastle United supporter.
And while that doesn’t always guarantee success at St James’ Park – for every Alan Shearer, there’s a Steve Bruce – the chance to rescue his beloved Magpies from relegation will surely appeal to the Blyth-born colossus.
“Dan has been part of a gradual build at Brighton who have progressed every year and obviously he’s a Geordie lad as well,” Clark adds.
“It ticks all the boxes. I hope it gets done.”
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