Newcastle closing in on signing of Ajax's Steur

Newcastle United are closing in on the signing of 18-year-old Ajax midfielder Sean Steur.

The club have the money to reinvest in the squad after midfielder Sandro Tonali joined Tottenham Hotspur for a fee worth up to £100m.

After spending £43m on Hoffenheim winger Bazoumana Toure, it is understood Newcastle are now closing in on Steur for a fee which could rise to about £23m.

Steur only signed a new contract with Ajax last summer, but the deal expires in 2028, leaving the Dutch club in a slightly vulnerable position.

The academy graduate made his first-team debut in December, but quickly established himself as a regular, starting in the De Klassieker win against Feyenoord a couple of weeks later.

According to Opta, of those midfielders who started the season aged 18 or younger in the Eredivisie, Steur ranked first for chances created (15), total carries (231) and duel success (56.8%).

He was second for passes (623), passing accuracy (89.7%), tackles (20), possession won (49) and duels won (46).