Dan Burn: Newcastle United have ‘hit the jackpot’ after ‘superb’ confirmed news – pundit
Newcastle “may well have hit the jackpot” if their new-look defence can “gel together quickly”, according to Noel Whelan.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, insisted the “superb” capture of Dan Burn is a “definite upgrade” at the heart of the Magpies’ back four.
Newcastle confirmed the signing of Burn, 29, late on deadline day (31 January) after reaching an agreement with Premier League rivals Brighton.
Football Insider revealed the Magpies’ interest in Burn last week (26 January) after falling short in their pursuit of top targets Sven Botman and Diego Carlos.
Whelan claimed the “consistent and very underrated” defender will bring “experience and quality” to Eddie Howe’s rearguard.
“He’s a definite upgrade,” he told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury.
“Their defensive frailties were clear for everyone to see; it’s been their weak link for a number of years now. That’s where the damage has been done.
“They’ve brought in virtually a whole new backline to try and turn that around. Burn is a superb signing, he’s consistent and very underrated.
“He’ll bring that experience and quality that Newcastle have desperately needed. It’ll be interesting to see how he fits in.
“They’ll have to gel together very quickly. No one knows each other, they just know of each other.
“This is what they had to do. They had to put together a solid defence, and with Burn, then Newcastle have hit the jackpot.”
Newcastle sit 18th in the Premier League – just one point from safety.
The Magpies have conceded the second-most goals this term (43 to Norwich’s 45).
In other news, Newcastle set to axe defender from squad after last-gasp transfer collapse.