Newcastle are close to securing the arrival of Ajax teenager Sean Steur
Sean Steur takes on Kees Smit during the match between AZ Alkmaar and AFC Ajax Amsterdam
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Newcastle United are closing on the signing of teenage midfielder Sean Steur from Ajax in what could be one of the coups of the summer transfer window.
The 18-year-old burst on to the scene in the Dutch Eredivisie last season and while he is still inexperienced in the senior game, the youngster's underlying data and references make him an exciting acquisition for the Magpies.
Steur arrived on Tyneside on Tuesday evening and is going through the final formalities before his transfer, worth up to £23million, is confirmed, with the Dutch youth international expected to sign a long-term contract at St James' Park.
But given Steur only has 26 appearances to his name and the Eredivisie isn't readily available to watch in England, what will he bring to Tyneside and how true are claims he is a better value signing than Kees Smit and he is the best Ajax prospect since Frenkie de Jong?
Chronicle Live spoke to Dutch football expert Michael Bell, editor of Football Oranje and an avid Newcastle United fan, to find out what to expect from their new midfield star.
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What type of player is Steur? What can Newcastle fans expect?
"He is a technically brilliant midfielder, who can play deeper or in the eight. He is comfortable receiving the ball in tight spaces and can progress it through dribbling forward.
"He has a real eye for a pass but also does well in the defensive area in duels. At six ft he is no slouch and he can be a tempo controller if given plenty of the ball."
Has his rapid rise taken people by surprise in the Netherlands?
"As with most talents in the Netherlands, they are known and have a name at a very young age and Steur has been tipped to make a breakthrough for years.
"Ajax had a disappointing campaign last year and Steur got probably more minutes than he was expecting but he showed he is more than ready for the level. He is even being mentioned as one of the next players that is capable of reaching the national team before the next World Cup.
"I think he was seen as the main man in the Ajax midfield for the next few years so think his departure has been met with sadness in Amsterdam but also some expected it due to his contract situation."
Sean Steur in action for Holland U19s
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How does he compare to Kees Smit? There have been suggestions he could be a better buy than the AZ man?
"They are different types of players and it really depends on what type of midfielder you are looking for. Steur does great work all over the pitch while Smit comes alive with his creativity going forward.
"I’d say Smit is a bit further forward in his development but he has been playing higher level football for longer than Steur. I do believe both will develop into high level midfielders and play together in the Netherlands midfield in the future.
"I think Newcastle have been very clever as Steur has so much potential and getting him at €27million could be an absolute steal while Smit would cost at least double that at the moment. There is definitely an argument to say that Steur’s ceiling is higher than Smit’s."
AFC Ajax Amsterdam midfielder Sean Steur and AZ Alkmaar midfielder Kees Smit
AFC Ajax Amsterdam midfielder Sean Steur and AZ Alkmaar midfielder Kees Smit(Image: EYE4images/NurPhoto)
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How high is his ceiling? Are suggestions he is the best prospect coming out of Ajax's academy since Frenkie de Jong fair?
"Ajax have been poor in recent years and the number of top level talents breaking into the XI recently has been low. However last season finally showed that they do still have special players with Bouwman at the back and Steur in the midfield.
"He is not an exact match to Frenkie de Jong and that comparison may be a bit unfair but he does have De Jong’s calmness in possession. For me he is the best of his age group at Ajax and he has the potential to be world class if he can develop properly."
How ready is he to compete in the Premier League? What role would you expect him to play at Newcastle this season?
"I think Newcastle fans should be excited about his signing but also a little patient. He may need a little time to get used to the physicality of the Premier League but once he does he could be unstoppable.
"I think he will get plenty of minutes next season but maybe not as a starter straight away as I think Howe would give him time to adapt. I think his youthful enthusiasm could be a real boost to the Newcastle midfield."