President confirms Newcastle were ‘interested’ in player – Admits he ‘closed door’ on January exit

Newcastle United ended up strengthen their defence in the winter market by signing Dan Burn, Kieran Trippier and Matt Targett.

Prior to taking Burn from Brighton & Hove Albion, the Magpies made attempts to sign Lille star Sven Botman and Sevilla’s Deigo Carlos.

Eddie Howe’s side wanting the Dutchman last month was confirmed by the defender and his agent. The Ligue 1 side’s president, Olivier Létang, has now revealed he closed the door on Newcastle after they registered their interest in the centre-back.

“Newcastle were interested in Sven Botman. There was no offer of 50 million euros, because I closed the door to him leaving immediately,” Létang told Canal+, relayed by Le Petit Lillois.

Apart from them, AC Milan looked at the player and continue to maintain an interest to sign him in the summer. The Serie A side will face tough competition from Newcastle, who are also looking at Botman, in the view for the next window.

Milan are reportedly worried that Newcastle ‘can offer much more’ money than them, to both the defender and the French club, to carry out the operation after this season.

On February 15th, TuttoMercatoWeb stated the English club are ‘ready to satisfy’ Lille’s demands, but a transfer will depend on Botman since he will have a final say on his next club.

With Létang confirming interest and Newcastle still keen to sign Botman, a deal could be concluded if Howe’s side can convince the player.