|
Fulham transfer link
Dan Burn |
| Position |
Defender |
| P.O.B. |
Blyth,
England |
| D.O.B |
9/05/92 |
| Height |
6' 06 |
| Club |
Darlington |
|
Wikipedia |
It was confirmed last night that teenage defender Dan Burn will join Premier League club Fulham in the summer after Darlington agreed a record-breaking transfer fee.
It is understood that Quakers stand to net just over £1m, depending on the 18-year-old's development and appearances in the Fulham first team.
The initial six-figure payment, although described as undisclosed by both clubs, is believed to be higher than the Conference record of £260,000.
That was set when striker George Boyd signed for Peterborough United from Stevenage in 2007.
Burn's initial fee has not exceeded Darlington's club record sale which is £400,000, the total received in 1998 when selling Jason DeVos to Dundee United.
However, the sale represents a substantial payment for a player that has made only 19 appearances since making debut in December 2009.
Aside from a handful of appearances last season after being plucked from Craig Liddle's lauded youth section, the Blyth teenager only came into the first team reckoning in January primarily as a stand-in for Adam Quinn who is cup-tied for FA Trophy games.
Manager Mark Cooper, however, was so impressed with the 6ft 6" centre-back that he soon became a regular, leaving experienced Quinn on the sidelines.
Everton also made a bid for Burn while Newcastle United boss Alan Pardew made an enquiry last Friday, as did a small number of other Premier League clubs.
But it is Fulham who won the race for the talented teen who becomes the second Quakers player in recent years to switch to Craven Cottage following David Stockdale's move in 2008.
Darlington chairman Raj Singh has praised Cooper for getting "the best deal for the club".
He said: "This represents a fantastic bit of business for Darlington and we're delighted for Dan that he's joining a top, Premier League club.
"Mark Cooper wanted to make sure Dan joined the right club and he kept me informed of all enquiries, ensuring we got the best possible deal while also looking after the player, so he deserves a lot of credit for that.
"I'd also like to thank Dan's parents for the way they've handled themselves. They allowed us to handle the deal without getting involved and trusted us to make sure it was right for both the club and the player.
"Dan will join Fulham at the end of the season and, naturally, we wish him our luck in what we hope and believe is the beginning of a very successful career."
The centre-back, who has agreed a three-year deal, is currently out of the Quakers side with a knee injury with Quinn deputising.
Fulham Football Club statement:
Fulham Football Club is delighted to confirm the signing of Dan Burn on a three year deal for an undisclosed fee.
The highly-rated 18-year-old defender signs from Darlington and will join Mark Hughes' squad in the summer of 2011.
Burn progressed through Darlington's Academy and has courted interest from many other clubs. He has made 10 appearances for the Quakers this season which has seen the side reach the FA Trophy Final.
Born in Northumberland, 6' 6" Burn has great aerial presence and made his Football League debut for Darlington in 2009. Since then, his impressive performances have caught the eye of many top clubs.