While it’s quite clear that Milan have a lead over Newcastle United when it comes to the pursuit of Sven Botman, the deal isn’t done just yet.
This still gives the Magpies a chance of getting the Dutchman, even if they might have to be extra convincing to get him to ignore the advances of a club likely to be playing in the Champions League next season.
The fact a Bahrain backed equity firm is also in the process of buying Milan doesn’t help Newcastle either, as they are likely to hand the Italians a healthy transfer budget going forward, giving them more wiggle room on the market.
Gazzetta dello Sport have an article on Friday about it all, writing that it’s ‘curious that the leaders of via Aldo Rossi are giving priority’ to Botman in a bid to ‘extinguish the hopes’ of the St James’ Park based club and their ‘rich Saudi ownership’.
Thus, the Bahrain-branded Milan are ready to land their first blow’ against their rivals, with the ‘white smoke’ now said to be close for the defender.
Whether Newcastle still have a chance isn’t said, but until that deal is announced officially, there’s still an opening, however small it might seem.
