Newcastle United are ready to hold fresh talks with Brighton & Hove Albion after increasing their bid for the transfer of defender Dan Burn by 25%, according to TuttoMercatoWEB.
Boss Eddie Howe is adamant the Magpies must improve the St James’ Park backline before next Monday’s deadline. Newcastle have conceded 16 goals to just six scored in their nine Premier League fixtures under the 44-year-old so far.
United had also endured a woefully leaky defensive record under Steve Bruce earlier in the season. So, have allowed 43 goals in 21 games altogether, only Norwich City have a worse record with 45 in 22. The 17th-place Canaries are also one-point better off than the Toon.
The Toon’s defensive struggles have made centre-back reinforcements a priority for Howe, as he looks for fresh leadership and quality. But Newcastle deem Sevilla’s Diego Carlos the ‘impossible dream’, so are now hot on Brighton’s Burn for a last-ditch transfer.
Newcastle are willing to increase their offer for Burn’s late window transfer from Brighton to €12m (£10m). He has featured in 13 league games this term and has scored one goal.
Newcastle increase late transfer bid for Brighton’s Burn by 25%
Newcastle moving to offer Brighton £10m for Burn’s transfer marks a 25% increase in their bid for the 29-year-old. The Daily Mail noted earlier this week that the Seagulls rejected an £8m bid from the Magpies. But the opening offer was likely to be just the start of any talks.
Burn can offer Howe added Premier League experience and versatility if the Seagulls warm to selling the imposing Blyth-born enforcer. He has now made 83 career top-flight outings, with 74 with Brighton and nine for Fulham during the 2013/14 season.
Brighton have also kept three clean sheets over the 6 ft 7 defender’s 13 appearances so far this term. They shut out Arsenal and Norwich in 0-0 draws, plus a 2-0 win over Brentford.
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