Newcastle are closing in on signing Sven Botman with Ligue 1 side preferring to accept their £31m offer despite AC Milan’s interest – but personal terms are yet to be agreed
- Newcastle to have bid of £31m plus add-ons accepted for Lille’s Sven Botman
- The Dutch centre-back is Eddie Howe’s main defensive target in this window
- Newcastle still need to agree personal terms with the 22-year-old Ajax product
Newcastle United were working on an agreement on Friday night with Lille for defender Sven Botman.
Throughout protracted talks, the Dutch international has been their prime target this window but they faced stern competition from AC Milan.
Lille, however, want to accept Newcastle’s offer of around £31million plus add-ons as the clubs look to reach a solution.
Newcastle are set to have a bid of around £31million plus add-ons accepted for Sven Botman
Dutch under-21 international Botman is Eddie Howe’s main defensive transfer target
Newcastle’s move for Reims striker Hugo Ekitike remains under threat from Paris St Germain who want to create a greater French identity at the club.
22-year-old centre-back Botman, is Newcastle’s main defensive target for this transfer window.
Newcastle’s move for Reims striker Hugo Ekitike remains under threat from Paris St Germain
Newcastle, backed by their wealthy owners, have already signed goalkeeper Nick Pope, while defender Matt Targett made his loan from Aston Villa permanent.
A Holland Under-21 international, Botman is very highly rated and could add more defensive stability to a Newcastle side that conceded 62 goals in the Premier League last season.
Botman joined Lille on a five-year contract in 2020 and has made 79 appearances for the French club.
A product of Ajax’s academy, he had a loan spell at Heerenveen prior to signing for Newcastle.
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