Newcastle United ‘won’t let go’ of the idea of signing Sven Botman from Lille, which is causing an issue for AC Milan, who also want the defender.
That’s according to journalist Paolo Bargiggia, who says the Magpies are still determined to sign the Netherlands international.
Newcastle were heavily linked with Botman throughout the January transfer window, when they were keen to use their newfound financial power to bolster Eddie Howe’s squad.
Botman was reportedly one they were very keen on, but Lille resisted all efforts, demanding a price that Newcastle simply did not want to pay.
They instead turned their attention to Brighton’s Dan Burn, a considerably cheaper option and one that has worked out well for them so far.
However, they have continued to be linked with the player, especially after he admitted he wasn’t against the move to St James Park.
“Botman is the number one target however, to date, they have not been able to close the negotiation,” he told Pianeta Milan.
“We are talking about a negotiation with a valuation of about 40 million euros. From what it appears on the player, there is also Newcastle, who won’t let go, so Milan has not yet managed to close this negotiation.
“I believe that AC Milan will do everything to get their hands on Botman, also relying on the history of the club that, clearly, does not have the same economic power as Newcastle but has other elements.
“The agents have been met several times by Milan, who knows that there is this disturbance from Newcastle.”
