Newcastle United’s interest in signing Lille’s Sven Botman in January was confirmed by all parties involved, including the defender’s agent.
The St James’ Park club continued to be named as one of the centre-back’s suitors, along with AC Milan, but the Serie A side, who are aware of the competition from the Magpies, have taken steps to get the deal over the line.
Earlier on Thursday, we covered claims made by Gazzetta dello Sport the Rossoneri have ‘overcome Newcastle’ by agreeing a five-year deal with the Dutchman. These claims are now backed up by Calciomercato.
It’s explained ‘there is already a basis for an agreement’ between the Netherlands U21 international and Stefano Pioli’s side over a five-year contract worth €3m net per season and bonuses.
In addition to this, there is ‘great optimism’ at the San Siro over reaching an agreement with the Ligue 1 side for around €30m plus bonuses.
This was made possible thanks to the Dutchman, who has said ‘no’ to the ‘new’ approach made by Eddie Howe’s side to sign him ‘in recent days’.
It seems that, in essence, Botman has made up his mind and he simply ‘wants Milan’ over Newcastle.
