Newcastle United are eyeing a shock move for Brighton and Hove Albion defender Dan Burn before next Monday’s transfer deadline.
That’s according to the Mail on Sunday (23/01, p151), who claim that Newcastle are considering a bid for Burn in the coming days.
Newcastle are absolutely desperate to bring in quality centre back options to help Eddie Howe’s battle against relegation.
Options on the continent like Diego Carlos, Sven Botman and Benoit Badiashile have proven very difficult to sign so far.
That may leave Newcastle looking at targets closer to home, with Burn now believed to be a surprise option.
When Newcastle were taken over in October, fans probably weren’t expecting Burn to be a January signing.
The winter window is tricky though, and Burn now appears to be a realistic target for Howe – especially as he wouldn’t need to adjust to life in the Premier League.
Add in that Burn is left-footed and he could be the man to provide the balance Howe is seeking.
Burn, 29, was born in the North East and actually grew up supporting Newcastle. Burn even started his career with Newcastle but was released at the age of 11.
If Newcastle come calling with an offer in the coming days, you could hardly blame Burn for wanting to join his boyhood club.
Now inside the final 18 months of his Brighton contract, Burn heading to Newcastle does seem to add up in many aspects.
A giant present at 6ft 7in tall, Burn is dominant in the air and has even shown the ability to play as a left back for Brighton.
Hailed as ‘incredible’ by Graham Potter last season, Burn has been a steady if unheralded performer for Brighton.
Brighton likely won’t want to lose Burn before the deadline, but the prospect of playing for Newcastle is huge for the defender and this could be a chance he can’t pass up.
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