Journalist Ben Jacobs is expecting “movement” in Newcastle United’s attempt to land Lille colossus Sven Botman between the next “7-10 days”.
Speaking on NUFC Matters, Jacobs was discussing the latest surrounding Newcastle’s transfer plans.
The Toon tried to land the 6ft 5in centre-back in January and their efforts have continued since, with a recent report from 90min claiming that they had a chance of acquiring the 22-year-old.
He has been linked with a move to Paris Saint-Germain, but Jacobs made light of those rumours – although he did acknowledge the stall in terms of talks with Milan, who are thought to be his preferred suitors.
The Daily Mail notes that the Magpies are back in the race for his signature due to the “gridlock” between the Serie A outfit and Lille, with Jacobs expecting clarity very soon.
Will Newcastle sign Botman?
Yes!
No!
He said: “Movement is more likely this week for a number of clubs than last week for those players that are away, so a Sven Botman, for example, could be resolved in the next 7-10 days, especially if this gridlock in terms of talks between Milan and Lille continues, because then Newcastle is effectively the only offer on the table.
“Some people think that there’s one or two of the giants of Europe looking at him as well, but that’s not my understanding.
“I expect Botman to be resolved in the next 7-10 days, at least in terms of him intimating exactly where he’s going to go, and then it just depends from there on the logistics and the negotiations how quickly that one resolves itself.”
TIF Thoughts on Botman to Newcastle…
Milan were recently acquired by RedBird Capital Partners in a £1.2bn investment, which could be the reason behind a lack of clarity as things stand, but the longer Milan ponder, the more it should benefit the Tynesiders – so the fact that others don’t appear to be in for Botman seems to be a massive boost.
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Fabian Schar, Jamaal Lascelles and Dan Burn shared the responsibility at centre-back for Eddie Howe last season, but Botman would be a major addition to that defensive regiment, as emphasised by the sheer size of the clubs chasing his signature.
The St James’ Park outfit conceded 62 goals in the league last season, with only five of the bottom six shipping a higher tally.
However, 24 of those were scored in the first 11 games prior to Howe’s arrival, with the club conceding an average of 1.4 goals per game under the Englishman.
As per FBRef, the £27m-rated rock ranks in the top 6% among centre-backs in Europe’s top five leagues and continental competitions for aerials won per 90 (74.8%) over the last year and would no doubt help shore up that improved back four as Kieran Trippier, Matt Targett and Dan Burn have already shown.