Not just Sean Steur - Newcastle United chase second Ajax wonderkid who leaves door open
Newcastle United have already raided Ajax for one Dutch prodigy when Sean Steur arrived in July.
Ajax prodigy Aaron Bouwman has stayed coy on suggestions he could join Newcastle United.
The Magpies are understood to be closely monitoring the 19-year-old, who has broken into the first-team ranks over the last 12 months. Bouwman is a Dutch youth international and has been compared to Liverpool captain Virl van Dijk.
Valued at £25million, he would be within Newcastle’s price range and fits the need for a youthful centre-back. Two of United’s current options - Dan Burn and Fabian Schar - are entering the twilight of their careers.
Ajax has proven to be a happy hunting ground for the Magpies. Sean Steur arrived for £20million and has quickly become one of Newcastle’s best young talents in years.
Ajax wonderkid speaks out
Speaking to Voetbal International, Bouwman did not rule out a potential summer switch. When asked about the Newcastle links, he said: “I actually never have anything to do with that myself. I just focus on Ajax and my agents handle it, if there is anything.
“I don’t really need to hear about it myself, and that didn’t happen either. If you play in the Ajax youth academy, you are around that age and you have a bit of quality, then those clubs can come knocking quickly.”
Sean Steur on Newcastle United game time
In midweek, Steur told Dutch media he is staying calm about his game time at St James’ Park. He said: “No, I think last period I played a lot. Now I played a little less. The last match I did play in the starting lineup again. But I wasn’t necessarily very worried.
“No, I never doubt. Sometimes that you play a little less just belongs to the process, belongs to the club you are in. Yeah, it’s just a task to then make sure that you come in as quickly as possible and with the minutes and chances that you get, do as well as possible.
“But no, no doubts. I still feel very much in my place there. I’m just calm. It can be fun, but I’m just calm in the sense of, yeah, just trust in yourself and your opportunity will come anyway. Yeah, just don’t panic quickly, I would say."