Desperately wanting Sven Botman in January, Newcastle United tried everything to get their man, only to be faced by a wall set up by Lille for the Dutchman.
The Ligue 1 side didn’t particularly want to lose one of their star players midway through an already difficult season, and any exit was postponed until the summer.
We are now at that stage, and while Newcastle are still interested, so are Milan, who appeared to have the Netherlands international’s preference.
That is still be the case, but following a new bid from the Magpies, Lille are now trying to get a bit more cash out of the Serie A side, as per Daniele Longo, who was speaking to Radio Rossonera.
The journalist said: “Milan are a bit annoyed because Lille, after Newcastle’s latest offer, tried to ask for some extra money. The Rossoneri, however, remain firm, aware that the player has given them his word. I think the decision will be up to them.
“Then the operations depend on many factors. There have been contacts between Maldini and Cardinale, but we still have to enter the crucial phase of the discussion: the budget.”
This all comes after a recent takeover of the Italian club, with new owners now trying to plan how they want the team to look.
It will now be down to everyone in Milan to decide whether they just give Lille that extra money to match Newcastle’s bid, or move onto other targets, giving Eddie Howe and co. less competition for a player the Magpies clearly want.
