Journalist Jacque Talbot has claimed that Newcastle United are looking at Sven Botman ahead of the summer transfer window.
Newcastle are reportedly interested in bringing Botman to the Premier League in the summer after they were in contact with Lille over a January transfer, but a fee could not be agreed.
Botman has become one of the most sought-after defenders in world football, having already played 79 first-team games for Lille, including 37 matches as they won Ligue 1 last year and five games in the Champions League in the most recent season.
With the reports that Newcastle are interested in bringing the Dutch defender to St James’ Park in the summer, Talbot claimed to GiveMeSport that while it is the case that Newcastle want him, other clubs such as Serie A champions Milan are also keen on signing the defender.
Asked whether Newcastle could reignite their interest in the Dutchman if a deal was possible, he said: “I’m told that that will be the case. I think with AC Milan, it sort of depends on the takeover that’s going on there. And I think Sven Botman’s probably one of the most exciting centre-backs in European football at the moment, and I think a lot of clubs will have a look at him rather than just AC Milan and Newcastle.”
Do you think Botman will sign for Newcastle?Yes
No
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TIF Thoughts on Talbot’s comments…
Botman has attracted the attention of several clubs across Europe, and with Newcastle not having any European football to contend with next season, this may put them down the pecking order in terms of clubs he will want to join.
With Lille featuring in the Champions League this past season, the Dutchman would likely want to make a move to a club playing in the competition next term, so despite the clear improvements Newcastle have made, it may be hard to see him signing at St James’ Park.
He was a top performer for Lille in 2021/22, averaging a player rating of 7.1 in Ligue 1 (as per SofaScore), which was the highest in the squad. And with his contract not being set to expire until 2025, if the Magpies want to sign him, it would likely need to be for a significant figure.