Newcastle ‘close to making Botman breakthrough’ – ‘will focus all energy’ into completing deal

Jason Soutar
Newcastle target Sven Botman during a match

Newcastle United will reportedly “focus all their energy and powers of persuasion” on their pursuit of Lille defender Sven Botman.

The ongoing transfer saga involving Botman, Newcastle and AC Milan has taken another turn.

On Tuesday it was reported that the Dutch centre-half would ‘snub’ a move to the Magpies in favour of the Italian champions.

90min claimed that Milan are “confident” they would get Botman and his Lille teammate, Renato Sanches, through the door “by the end of this week”.

Both sides were eager to sign the 22-year-old in January but could not strike a deal as the French club wanted to keep hold of him until the end of the season.

His departure is anticipated, but it remains unclear if he will play his football in England or Italy next season.

However, in another twist, Gianluca Di Marzio (via GIFN) has claimed that Milan are yet to meet Lille’s asking price of around €40-€45m.

The Italian journalist claims that Botman’s move to AC is now ‘uncertain’ amid interest from Premier League clubs, including Tottenham, Newcastle and Manchester United.

While Botman has fallen further away from joining, a deal for Sanches is still expected to happen.

Luke Edwards of The Telegraph has added fuel to the fire by claiming the Magpies “are close to breaking through in their pursuit of the defender after negotiations with Lille”.

“There is a growing sense of confidence” a deal will be completed, with the Geordies preparing to “focus all their energy and powers of persuasion on their bid”.

Following said breakthrough, “it seems increasingly likely” that Botman will sign for Newcastle this summer.

Furthermore, The Athletic believe Newcastle “remain hopeful” the Netherlands under-21 international will play his football for the St James’ Park club next season.

Meanwhile, Magpies head coach Eddie Howe is believed to ‘rate’ Manchester City’s Nathan Ake and Bournemouth’s Lloyd Kelly. He signed both defenders during his time as Cherries boss.

Also mentioned in the report are a number of attacking players Newcastle are looking at. They include Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Brentford’s Ivan Toney and Bayer Leverkusen winger Moussa Diaby.

Newcastle United Sven Botman