Newcastle set to sign Ajax's Sean Steur for £23m - Report

Newcastle's summer transfer plans appear to be kicking into gear, with another European-based talent tipped to sign this week.

Sunday night brought confirmation of Bazoumana Toure's £43m arrival from Bundesliga side Hoffenheim, seeing Newcastle land a much-needed replacement for Anthony Gordon. 

This week, following raids in France and Germany to secure goalkeeper Ewen Jaouen and the aforementioned Toure, the Netherlands appears to be our latest hunting ground to secure another highly-rated young talent.

That man is Sean Steur, who looks set to become our third summer addition if reports from Holland are to be believed.

Ajax talent heading to Newcastle?

According to Dutch outlet AD, Newcastle United look set to sign Ajax talent Sean Steur.

Reporting late on Monday night, Johan Inan claims that Newcastle have reached an agreement in principle worth €27m (£23m) for the 18-year-old midfielder.

A five-year contract is on the table, and it's said that Steur will leave Ajax's training camp and complete a medical on Tyneside in the 'coming days' before completing the formalities of the transfer. 

AD state that the move comes as a 'major surprise', as the talented Dutchman had been expected to sign a new long-term contract with Ajax.

The tall and technical midfielder made 19 league outings for the Eredivisie giants last season, also appearing three times in the UEFA Champions League against Qarabag, Olympiacos and Villarreal.

Agency links and signs of big potential 

Digging a little deeper, it's interesting to see who represents Steur, who appears to be summer signing number three if these strong reports in the Netherlands are to be believed.

Steur is looked after by THE TEAM. A rebranded agency that previously went by the name Wasserman, THE TEAM have the likes of Lewis Hall, Tino Livramento and Harvey Barnes on their books, along with Newcastle boss Eddie Howe and top target Johan Manzambi.

While agency links only go so far towards striking a deal, it will do Newcastle's hopes of landing Manzambi no harm if we are forging a strong relationship with the Swiss international's representatives.

As for Steur, no midfielder in the Eredivisie had a higher progressive pass accuracy or defensive duel win rate at one stage last season, highlighting the 18-year-old's potential both in and out of possession.