Newcastle United are reportedly planning to reward towering Geordie defender Dan Burn with a new contract as the 30-year-old enters the final 18 months of his current deal.
According to Football Insider, Newcastle United are ready to open talks with versatile defender Dan Burn over a new contract, with manager Eddie Howe keen to retain his services as he values his “versatility and passion” for his hometown club.
The Magpies recently tied down the club’s stand-in skipper and England international Kieran Trippier to a long-term deal at St. James’ Park, with the 32-year-old right-back committing to the club until the summer of 2025.
The former Atletico Madrid man has played a starring role in Newcastle’s climb up the Premier League ladder over the last 12 months after arriving at the club as the first signing under the new owners.
Now, after sorting out the future of their right-back, it appears Newcastle are looking to tie down their mainstay left-back to a new deal. Of course, the player in question here is none other than Big Dan Burn, who has excelled at centre-half and, more recently, left-back since joining Howe’s side from Brighton for £13 million last January.
After proving instrumental in helping the team beat relegation last season, the 30-year-old has been integral to their rise this season, having started in all but two games in the Premier League and the EFL Cup.
Commanding at 6ft 7ins, Burn is a centre-back playing on the left but more often than not holds his position, while Trippier is allowed creative freedom to foray forward. With Trippier absolutely vital to Newcastle’s final-third output, the Magpies frequently play a back three.
It’s difficult to find the versatility to play that hybrid position, but Burn has managed to look at ease while doing so, albeit his stature has raised some eyebrows.
The 30-year-old recently scored his first goal for Newcastle, not with his head, but with a cultured wingers’ finish of his right foot as they beat Leicester 2-0 in the Carabao Cup quarter-final. The Blyth-born defender has since helped the club book their Wembley ticket for the EFL Cup final clash against Manchester United.
Lunging tackles, thumping headers, marauding runs, arriving at the training ground in the smallest automobile possible on planet earth, wild dressing room dances, and always standing beside the smallest player in the Premier League Ryan Fraser, it’s no wonder Burn is a hugely influential figure within the Magpies’ locker room and a firm fan favourite.
As a consequence, a new deal for Burn is an absolute no-brainer as far as Eddie Howe & Co. are concerned, and nothing more than what his performances warrant.
With Newcastle seeking to part ways with club captain Jamaal Lascelles and left-footed Geordie defender Paul Dummett’s contract expiring at the end of the season, this makes sense from a team-building standpoint.
Furthermore, Howe is looking to bring in another right-footed central defender once the transfer window reopens in the summer to add balance and competition for places in the department, with the Magpies linked with Jonathan Tah in recent days.
