Newcastle end January with Burn capture

 

Late on transfer deadline day, Newcastle wrapped up the signing of Dan Burn from Premier League rivals Brighton. 

 

The Magpies had been scrambling to bring in a new centre-back in January, but saw moves for Sven Botman and Diego Carlos, of Lille and Sevilla respectively, fall through. 

 

Burn may not have been their first choice target, yet the 29-year-old brings ample Premier League experience to the relegation threatened side and he follows Kieran Trippier, Chris Wood, Bruno Guimarães and Matt Targett to St. James' Park. 

 

"Newcastle United are delighted to confirm the signing of Ashington-born defender Dan Burn from Brighton & Hove Albion for an undisclosed fee," a statement read on the club's official website. 

 

"The 29-year-old centre-back arrives at his boyhood club after signing a two-and-a-half-year contract and becomes Eddie Howe's fifth acquisition of the January transfer window. 

 

"Burn was originally part of the Magpies' youth set-up before being released aged eleven, and he returns to the club almost two decades later having become an established Premier League defender." 

 

On the move to Newcastle, Burn said: "I'm buzzing to be here. I never thought I'd be in this position so to be a Newcastle player and to be around St. James' Park, it's something I've dreamt of since I was a kid. 

 

"I can't wait to step out in the shirt and to see what it feels like. From sitting in the East Stand as a kid to now, it's crazy. I'm excited to get started." 

 

 

Head coach Eddie Howe added: "I'm delighted to bring Dan back to the North East. He knows exactly what it means to represent this club and he will be a big presence for us on and off the pitch. 

 

"We have been very keen to add competition defensively and Dan fits the profile we have been looking for. He is naturally left-footed, which provides further balance to our backline, and he will be a great addition to the group."