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