Newcastle fall well short of valuation for England teenager

Steve Bruce is keen to make Dwight McNeil his first signing as Newcastle manager but the club’s valuation of the player is half Burnley’s asking price, according to The Sun.

The teenager has attracted interest from the likes of Tottenham and Juventus in the past, and the Clarets are believed to be holding out for at least £30m for their prized asset.

McNeil had a huge impact on Burnley’s fortunes once he broke into the starting XI last season and is already an important member of the team.

Indeed, of the 11 Premier League matches Burnley won last season, eight came during the 19-year-old’s 19 starts.

Newcastle are keen to add to their ranks but will need to budge on their initial valuation of the player at £15m to have any chance of striking a deal.

Following the £30m sale of Ayoze Perez there is believed to be an £80m budget as Steve Bruce’s disposal, though close to half of that could go towards signing Hoffenheim forward Joelinton.