Newcastle United are increasingly unlikely to sign a new centre back this month as Dan Burn closes in on a return from injury, according to a report by Daily Mail’s Craig Hope.
“There were some eyebrows
raised among the press pack this week when Eddie Howe claimed Dan Burn would be ‘like a new signing’ following his return from a rib injury,” Hope wrote.
Hope added that the comment reflects a shift in Newcastle’s January transfer plans.
“In an update to what I’ve reported previously, it appears the likelihood of Newcastle signing a new centre back this month is diminishing by the day,” Hope wrote.
The report said Newcastle still have funds available but face limitations.
“A pot of around £20–25m would be available for the right player,” Hope wrote. “That budget is unlikely to get them the targets they want this month.”
Hope reported that profit and sustainability rules are being cited internally, along with a desire to enter the summer window from a stronger position.
“PSR is being cited as the reason, as well as a desire to leave themselves in a stronger position heading into the summer,” Hope wrote.
Burn, who has missed around a month, is nearing a return. That’s enough for Hope to suggest Burn’s impending comeback is influencing the club’s thinking.
The report also said, however, that Newcastle continue to monitor younger defensive options rather than pursue an immediate senior signing.
“One player Newcastle are watching is Club Bruges left back Joaquin Seys,” Hope wrote.
Seys is 20, has appeared in more than 100 games with Club Bruges’ senior squad, and has even taken part in a couple of Belgium international games.
The defender assisted in Bruges’ 4-1 win away at Kairat Almaty this week, a result that kept the club’s Champions League hopes alive, according to the report.
For now, Hope wrote that Newcastle’s focus remains on managing injuries and balancing finances rather than forcing a January move.
