Inside Ross Wilson's secret talks that saw Newcastle United gazump rivals for Sean Steur

Newcastle United are close to signing Sean Steur from Dutch giants Ajax after a swift move for the 18-year-old midfield star.

Toon transfer chief Ross Wilson is believed to have held secret talks for the teenager who has agreed in principle to sign a deal until 2031. It is understood that the Scotsman is working on multiple deals both home and abroad as he aims to deliver a big window for United.

Wilson moved swiftly and quietly in the background but the story was leaked from Ajax insiders initially and Dutch fans woke up to headlines that their star boy was on the brink of leaving.

Newcastle sources deem the star as 'very promising' and after intiial resistance and a fight from Ajax, the player's desire to move to the Premier League resulted in his exit being sanctioned.

Chronicle Live understands that after pushing their foot on the pedal during talks, the deal is close and a medical has been prepared back on Tyneside. The youngster will be handed a five-year contract.

The Magpies have wasted no time in spending some of the Sandro Tonali proceeds after his £100m deal to Tottenham Hotspur was pushed through over the weekend.

The focus is now about building a young and dynamic team at St James' Park with hungry young and upcoming new players eager to make their mark in the Premier League.

It is understood that Steur was scouted by Chelsea, Manchester United, Liverpool and Manchester City last season, but Newcastle cranked things up by entering advanced talk after giving Ajax a positive response on their valuation for the Dutch wonder kid. Newcastle will pay an initial fee of around £20m for Steur, and there will be a potential £3m add-ons as Eddie Howe looks to build a new team.

Club insiders have suggested that Howe wanted to bring 'energy' to his team and the club's transfer policy of adding exciting Euro stars is now firmly in place. Steur is seen as one of Europe's best young prospects.

The teenager went on to make 24 appearances as Ajax finished a disappointing fifth place last season. He began his youth career with RKAV Volendam before being snapped up by Ajax's Academy and playing through the youth ranks after a rapid rise.

Ajax's Director of Football, Marijn Beuker, has previously said: "He is a great talent and has been promoted early for a reason over the past few years. Sean is a dynamic midfielder who can dribble well and always looks for solutions going forward. We have a lot of confidence in a bright future for him at our club."

The move comes hot on the heels of signing Bazoumana Toure for £43m from Hoffenheim as Newcastle try to provide Howe with players for pre-season kicking off.

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