Newcastle United are closing in on the signing of 18-year-old Ajax midfielder Sean Steur, who became the youngest player in Champions League history to set up a goal at 17 years and 333 days. The move is funded by the £100m sale of Sandro Tonali to Tottenham Hotspur, giving the club money to reinvest. Steur only signed a new contract last summer, but it expires in 2028, leaving Ajax in a delicate position as his value will drop when he enters the final year next summer. He made his first-team debut in December but quickly became a regular, starting in the De Klassieker win against Feyenoord. Among Eredivisie midfielders aged 18 or younger, Steur ranked first for chances created (15), total carries (231) and duel success (56.8%), and second for passes (623), passing accuracy (89.7%), tackles (20), possession won (49) and duels won (46).
Meanwhile, Manchester United are on the verge of sealing Ederson's £35m move from Atalanta and have received a green light from former Chelsea defender Marcel Desailly to pursue Real Madrid midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni. Club officials are preparing to travel to Madrid to discuss a potential deal, with Spanish reports suggesting any sale must surpass £85m. Desailly told sportscasting.com: 'I'm sure Aurelien Tchouameni would move to the Premier League, and Manchester United is still a massive club... He had a difficult season, but at least he shows leadership... I believe that he has that little bit of leadership and the desire to bring the team all together. So it could be a good move for him, just like when Raphaël Varane swapped Madrid for Manchester back in the day. So why not? I would encourage him to go for it and try the Premier League.' Varane joined United in 2021 for £41m, making 95 appearances and winning the Carabao Cup and FA Cup. Casemiro followed the same path a year later, making 160 appearances with 26 goals and 14 assists before his recent exit sparked United's interest in Tchouameni. Michael Carrick, in his first full season as permanent manager, has already wrapped up Ederson's signing and is eager to strengthen further.
“Newcastle near deal for Ajax teen Steur; Man Utd target Tchouameni and Ederson after Tonali sale.”