Newcastle target Botman backed to do ‘something similar’ to Liverpool star ahead of £35m move
Newcastle United target Sven Botman has been backed to do “something similar” to Liverpool star Virgil van Dijk following his move to St James’ Park.
Botman has consistently been linked with Newcastle since the start of the January transfer window.
Last week it was reported that the Magpies have agreed to sign the centre-back for £35m.
Why does this transfer window feel so frantic and deranged? It’s way too loud and it’s not even July
AC Milan have also been interested in the Dutchman who has performed brilliantly for Lille over the past few seasons.
Botman is yet to make his senior debut for the Netherlands, who are captained by Liverpool defender Van Dijk.
Dutch journalist Marcel van de Kraan has likened Botman to Van Dijk:
“The [transfer fee] has been surprising for us. Sven Botman is a man who has not had a great reputation in Holland because he’s spent most of his time abroad,” van der Kraan told Sky Sports.
“He left early at Ajax and he’s been doing really well. Who does he remind me of? Maybe not to the stature or greatness, but another man who never lived up to a big reputation in Holland, Virgil van Dijk.
“He came almost from nowhere, went abroad to Celtic, then to Liverpool and we all know where he is. I really do hope for Sven that he can do something similar.
“He has got the physical presence and everything is really looking great for him.”
Meanwhile, Man Utd and Newcastle United have been told that an offer ‘very close’ to €45m could be enough to sign Goncalo Inacio.
Jornal de Noticias (via Sport Witness) are reporting that Man Utd, Newcastle, Wolves and Barcelona have ‘shown interest’ in the centre-back.
Inacio has a contract that runs until 2026 and this includes a €45m release clause.
It is noted that an offer ‘very close’ to the release clause ‘could tempt’ Sporting Lisbon to sell their defender.
Although it is claimed that the player ‘wants to continue at Sporting’ to boost his chances of playing at this winter’s World Cup in Qatar.