Newcastle United and AC Milan were battling it out for Sven Botman in the winter 2022 market.
The Magpies’ interest in the Lille defender was confirmed by all parties, but a deal never took shape in January.
Earlier claims from Italy had suggested the 22-year-old has snubbed Newcastle United in favour of a move to the San Siro.
On Wednesday, we carried a report from Corriere dello Sport, who explained the Tyneside club are providing ‘very fierce’ competition to the Serie A winners to sign the centre-back.
It was also reported that Newcastle United are ‘trying to convince’ the player to join them this summer.
Dutch newspaper Algemeen Dagblad interviewed the Netherlands U21 international, and he was quizzed whether he has already played his last match for the Ligue 1 side.
“I don’t know, but I think so. I intend to take a step. Talks are underway now. I won’t go into all that, but it’s going well. I do hope that the transfer for the new season is completed. Preferably also for the preparation, yes,” he said.
AD then followed it up by specifically stating that Newcastle United and AC Milan are among the clubs that are trying to secure his services.
Responding to that, Botman explained: “Those clubs are interested, yes. I can’t and won’t say much more about it. What I want? Taking a nice step towards a nice competition. I am also looking forward to a new step. I am aware of what I want.
“That is not necessarily to that club or that competition. You weigh all kinds of things and then the total picture has to suit you. I have to have a really good feeling about it.”