Lille star Sven Botman was on Newcastle United’s agenda in the winter market, and they even made a firm attempt to secure his services.
Towards the end of the mid-season window, the defender admitted “I thought it would be fun to be part” of the Tyneside club’s project, after realising a deal with the Magpies was not going to materialise.
The centre-back’s agent also stressed the Ligue 1 side were not willing to let their client leave, even though Newcastle United showed interest. These claims were backed up by Lille president Olivier Létang in February as the chief revealed he blocked the Dutchman’s exit.
Fast forward to the end of April and L’Equipe have published an interview with the player. Botman remains hopeful the likes of Newcastle and other clubs that showed interest in January will return for him in the summer.
When asked if he wasn’t ready to leave Lille earlier this year, Botman said: “I accepted the situation. 
There were opportunities. But we also had the Champions League [knockout tie] to play, my first. And we were in a good position in the league. I think these proposals will come back.”
The player had earlier told the Dutch media that it will be his last season at Lille. L’Equipe pressed him on this specific topic.
“I will see. If things go as planned, yes. But first I want to be good at the end of the season. Then we’ll discuss,” the defender explained.
