Newcastle United are closing in on the signing of 18-year-old Ajax midfielder Sean Steur, in a deal that could rise to around £23m. The move signals the club's intent to reinvest in their squad following the departure of midfielder Sandro Tonali, who joined Tottenham Hotspur for a fee worth up to £100m, and comes on the back of a £43m outlay on Hoffenheim winger Bazoumana Toure.

Steur, an Ajax academy graduate, made his first-team debut in December and quickly became a regular, starting in the De Klassieker win over Feyenoord. Although he signed a new contract last summer, the deal expires in 2028, leaving Ajax somewhat exposed. Opta data shows that among Eredivisie midfielders aged 18 or younger this season, he ranked first for chances created, total carries and duel success, and second across several other metrics.