Newcastle offer £29m plus add-ons for Lille defender Sven Botman amid interest from AC Milan

Newcastle have offered around £29m plus add-ons for Lille defender Sven Botman this summer.

The French side are pushing for £34m for the 22-year-old Holland international who also has interest from AC Milan.

One of Newcastle’s other targets, striker target Hugo Ekitike has picked up a hamstring injury while on international duty which could delay his move from Reims.

Earlier this week, Botman revealed he intends to leave Lille this summer confirmed both clubs are interested in signing him. 

Shortly after becoming the richest club in world football, Eddie Howe ‘s side were heavily interested in Botman and made bids in the region of £32million during the January transfer window.

They failed to push a deal over the line but have continued their pursuit this summer, alongside Serie A champions AC Milan, who are also interested in the Dutchman.

The Magpies face competition from Serie A giants AC Milan to sign the Dutch defender

Botman came through the ranks at Ajax but failed to make a single appearance for the senior team before moving to Lille in 2020. 

He played 37 games in his first campaign, helping his side to the Ligue 1 title for the first time in 10 years. 

Botman also helped Lille to the knockout stages of the Champions League this season before eventually being knocked out in the last-16 by Chelsea.  

The Dutch defender helped Lille to the knockout stages of the Champions League this season 

He has now said he intends to leave Lille this summer as he ‘intends to take a [different] step’ in his career. 

When asked by Dutch outlet Algemeen Dagblad if he has played his last game for the Ligue 1 side, the 22-year-old said: ‘I don’t know, but I think so. I intend to take a step.

‘Talks are underway now. I won’t go into all of that, but it’s going well. I do hope that the transfer for the new season is completed. Preferably also for the pre-season, yes.’

Botman went on to reveal both Newcastle and AC Milan are interested but refused to go into further detail.

He added: ‘Those clubs are interested, yes. I can’t and won’t say much more about it. 

‘What I want is to take a nice step towards a nice competition. I am also looking forward to a new step.’

The Magpies have, however, suffered a blow in their pursuit of striker Ekitike who they edging close to signing for around £36million including add-ons due to his injury.

The 19-year-old has indicated he wants to join Newcastle, despite interest from Borussia Dortmund, and is expected to sign a five-year contract. 

Ekitike is regarded as one of the best young strikers in Europe after blossoming under Reims boss Oscar Garcia, the former Watford and Brighton coach. 

Newcastle United are closing in on the £36million signing of young striker Hugo Ekitike