Newcastle United are plotting an improved second bid for Dan Burn after Brighton & Hove Albion snubbed Eddie Howe’s initial swoop for the defender, according to the Daily Mail.
The Magpies are determined to end the January window on a high as they look to improve their survival chances. Howe has already signed Kieran Trippier from Atletico Madrid and Chris Wood from Burnley, but hopes to now strengthen in central defence and in midfield.
Talks remain ongoing between the St James’ Park hierarchy and Lyon over a deal for Bruno Guimares. While Newcastle are drawing up a new bid for Burn after Brighton rebuffed the Toon’s £8m offer for his transfer. But it remains to be seen how far they will go for a deal.
Brighton signed Burn in 2018 for £4m, so would make profit on their investment by selling the 29-year-old to Newcastle. Their position in any talks will only dimmish if they refuse to sell the centre-back this month, too. He is only under contract until the end of next season.
Seagulls boss Graham Potter may yet overlook his potential value this summer to retain the Blyth-born star, though. Burn has opened 12 of his 13 Premier League appearances so far this term. A majority of the versatile ace’s absences have also been as a result of injuries.
Newcastle can land versatile Toon fan with transfer for Brighton’s Burn
Burn’s versatility is another reason why Newcastle want his transfer and Potter will want him to stay at Brighton. While the towering 6 ft 7 enforcer features mainly at centre-half, he can also play left-back. Potter also hails the Englishman for his dogged determination.
“Burn, a couple of years ago, was at Wigan in League One,” he said, via The Argus. “Rather than being critical of Dan Burn, we should be proud of him. He puts himself there, he gives his best every day, gives his best every match.
“It’s easy to be critical in this world and he is a fantastic professional, a fantastic person.”
Newcastle turned their attention to Burn – a boyhood Toon fan – last week in their bid to bolster Howe’s defensive options. But The Athletic reported on Wednesday that Brighton had rebuffed their opening approach to sign the one-time Magpies academy prospect.
Brighton’s rejection of Newcastle’s now noted £8m bid has seemingly not reduced Howe’s interest in his transfer. The Toon boss is ‘desperate’ for late deals, The Athletic note, as he looks to overturn their one-point gap to Norwich and out of the Premier League drop zone.
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