Journalist Ben Jacobs has revealed on the NUFC Matters YouTube channel when Newcastle United target Sven Botman will make a decision on his future.
The Magpies have been long-term admirers of Botman, having tried to sign him back in January as they attempted to get out of a relegation fight – something they ended up doing very well without the Dutch defender – and it seems they are still keen on acquiring his services this summer.
It’s been reported that Newcastle have now agreed a fee for the ‘machine’ with current club Lille, and with images emerging from the weekend of Dan Ashworth in the stands watching Netherlands Under-21s play against Wales – a game that Botman started – a deal could well progress soon.
However, according to Jacobs, a decision on Botman’s future could still take another week.
He said: “For me with Botman, it’s just a normal case of a player early on in the window knowing he’s got options, waiting and seeing first of all whether Lille and Milan get a deal, because there’s financial negotiation.
“Newcastle, on the other hand, have now thrashed out a financial package, but they won’t table any form of official or paper bid until they get to the point where Botman makes up his mind, because they’re wasting their time.
Will Botman sign for Newcastle?
Yes!
No!
“Botman’s agent says that nothing will be imminent, ie in the next four or five days, he’s going to wait and see what happens with Milan first, that’s probably going to take a week and then from that point, he’ll make his decision.”
TIF Thoughts on Botman’s future…
With the Magpies seemingly having already agreed a fee with Lille for Botman, that should give them an advantage in the pursuit of the defender, however, with the lure of challenging for silverware and Champions League football on offer immediately, it will be tough to persuade him against joining Milan.
Something that could help sway the defender towards Tyneside is that they clearly rate him very highly, having tried hard to get him in January and maintained their interest months down the line.
And with Jamaal Lascelles tipped for an exit this summer, it would leave just Fabian Schar and Dan Burn in his way to secure a spot in the first team, so not as much competition as may be expected in a Milan side that have just won the Italian title.