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

Newcastle United have moved swiftly and quietly to secure Sean Steur from Ajax, gazumping several Premier League rivals for the 18-year-old midfielder. Sporting director Ross Wilson held secret talks for the Dutch teenager, though the story was initially leaked by Ajax insiders as Dutch fans woke to headlines that their star boy was on the brink of leaving.

After initial resistance from Ajax, the player's desire to move to the Premier League resulted in his exit being sanctioned. Chronicle Live understands the deal is close with a medical prepared back on Tyneside. The youngster will be handed a five-year contract.

Newcastle will pay an initial fee of around 20m for Steur, with potential 3m add-ons as Eddie Howe looks to build a new team. 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 talks after giving Ajax a positive response on their valuation for the Dutch wonder kid.

The teenager made 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. Ajax's Director of Football Marijn Beuker 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 follows Newcastle's spending of the Sandro Tonali proceeds after his 100m deal to Tottenham. The club has also signed Bazoumana Toure for 43m from Hoffenheim. The focus is now about building a young and dynamic team at St James Park with hungry new players eager to make their mark in the Premier League.