Done Deal
BURN OUT
Newcastle complete £13m Dan Burn transfer from Brighton as Eddie Howe overhauls defence for Prem survival bid
NEWCASTLE have completed a £13million deal for Brighton defender Dan Burn.
The giant 6ft 7in centre-back will beef up Eddie Howe's backline after becoming the latest ace to sign for mega-rich Toon.
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Burn has signed a two-and-a-half year contract at St James' Park.
And he becomes the third defender to join Newcastle this month after right-back Kieran Trippier and left-back Matt Targett.
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."
New boss 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."
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Toon had two prior bids rejected but finally made a breakthrough yesterday to bring the Northumberland-born Burn back to the North East.
It comes as a major boost to Magpies boss Howe, who saw strengthening at centre-back as a priority at the start of the window.
And after failing to secure Lille's Sven Botman and Sevilla's Diego Carlos, Howe will be relieved to get a new recruit in the door - particularly one with considerable Premier League experience.
Albion were not actively looking to sell Burn, who has been in fabulous form this season and who brilliantly shackled Romelu Lukaku in Brighton's two recent draws with Chelsea.
But they would not stand in the way of his desire to move back to his boyhood club, where he is expected to boost his wages significantly.
Burn also had only 18 months left on his contract and with him turning 30 in May, the fee is deemed a good deal for the South Coast club.
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