Newcastle’s search for a new central defender during the January transfer window was extensive and frustrating at times.
Dan Burn was eventually the man brought through the door to bolster Eddie Howe’s backline, returning to his hometown club.
There had been links with Southampton’s Mohammed Salisu, among many others, over the course of a hectic month with rumours swirling.
90Min are reporting that Newcastle had a deal lined up for the Southampton central defender before the window even opened.
A fee of £40 million is mentioned in the report and it looked like all systems go – until Southampton changed their owner.
That was on January 4, and means Newcastle apparently had to change course before ending up with Burn for a fraction of the price on deadline day.
That looks a better value deal and it brings in someone who has a real affinity for the area and the club, as well as being a good ball player.
Salisu had an outstanding game as Southampton held Manchester City to a 1-1 draw last time out, which underlined what he can do.
But he has not shown that form as often as Burn has during his time in England and you suspect there will not be too many Magpies fans losing sleep over the fact that it is the towering former Brighton man and not Salisu who came through the door in the end.
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