Newcastle United approach Dan Burn’s representatives in fresh transfer move for Brighton defender

Newcastle United have discussed personal terms with Dan Burn’s representatives in the hope they can agree a fee with Brighton and Hove Albion, NewcastleWorld understands.

The Magpies have approached Brighton over the possibility of signing Blyth-born Burn, who has established himself as a regular starter in Graham Potter’s XI in recent months.

Burn, a Newcastle fan, is understood to be very happy and settled on the south coast, however interest from his boyhood club understandably carries a lot of weight.

The 29-year-old used to have a season ticket at St James’ Park, as did his father, and was on the academy books at United between the age of 11 and 13.

The 6ft7 towering defender started his senior career at Darlington before joining then Premier League side Fulham in 2011.

It was at that point Burn had the opportunity to join the Magpies under Alan Pardew but Burn decided it was best to pursue his football career away from the North East.

A permanent move to Wigan Athletic was next for Burn. And then, after two years, Brighton came calling, where he has been since 2018.

Burn has featured 85 times for the Seagulls and it is his recently established centre-back partnership with Adam Webster that has earned plenty of plaudits in captain Lewis Dunk’s absence.

Burn is left-footed and versatile, with the player comfortable in central defence or at left-back.

Magpies head coach Eddie Howe is looking to add top-flight experience to his ranks and players who are up for a relegation fight. Burn, of course, fits the bill given his connection to the club.

Newcastle have opened talks with Brighton over bringing Burn back home but a transfer fee is yet to be agreed.

In the event that negotiations are successful, the Magpies have reached out to Burn’s side to discuss personal terms in order to complete a deal as swiftly as possible, with the January transfer window slamming shut in four days’ time.

NewcastleWorld understands Burn is currently on holiday in Dubai - only a few hours away from Saudi Arabia, where Howe’s men are enjoying a warm-weather training camp.

United have tried all month to sign a central defender to help improve their leaky defence that has conceded 43 goals in the league this season.

Sven Botman of Lille was the club’s number one target, while efforts to sign Diego Carlos from Sevilla have been deeply frustrating.