Sky Sports have confirmed that Newcastle United are hoping to sign both Brighton’s Dan Burn and Bayer Leverkusen left-back Mitchel Bakker before Monday’s deadline.
They claim that Bakker will be allowed to leave for around £16m – the value of our latest bid according to reports yesterday – but move to St James’ Park will hinge on Bayer Leverkusen signing a replacement first.
As a result, Sky Sports believe that our bid to sign the Dutchman could go down to the wire and be decided on deadline day.
Elsewhere, they claim Brighton’s Dan Burn is now a ‘top target’ in our search for a new centre-back, with negotiations over a move for Sevilla’s Diego Carlos now ‘finished’ according to Sevilla.
It’s believed our first bid for the 6ft 7′ defender was around the £7m mark, however it seems an improved offer will be required if the Seagulls are to sell.
Crucially, Burn is said to be keen on a move to St James’ Park, as he’s eager to return home to the North-East and play for his boyhood club – 18 years on from being released as a kid.
He’s also approaching the final 12 months of his current deal at The Amex, meaning they might just be tempted to sell if a new and improved offer arrives.
While a big money move for Guimaraes would be the marquee signing our midfield is crying out for, it’s absolutely essential we bolster our leaky defence between now and 11pm on Monday.
Let’s hope we get good news on Burn and Bakker in the coming days!
