If you were keeping tabs on the whole Sven Botman situation on Thursday, you’ll have been aware that the player’s agents were in Italy, first to watch Milan beat Lazio 4-0 in the Coppa Italia and then to meet with the Serie A side.
Stefano Pioli and co. have never hidden their desire to sign the Dutchman from Lille, but have always known there would be interest from Newcastle United, who made a number of bids for the player over the course of January.
The Ligue 1 side stood firm, making it clear they wouldn’t sell their star before the end of the campaign, and with the winter transfer window now behind everyone, talks can get underway regarding a summer move.
That’s why Botman’s agents were in Milan on Thursday, and Gianluca Di Marzio has the latest on the situation, explaining it all on his website.
The point of the meeting was for Milan to reiterate their appreciation in the player, but there’s a worry that Lille ‘could ask for much higher figures than what Milan are planning’.
There’s also the fact that ‘Newcastle are also on the player, who could offer much more’ and Lille ‘would clearly give priority to the better bidder’.
What could be decisive, however, is the will of Botman himself, and should he ‘prefer to transfer to the Rossoneri and the club didn’t oppose his hypothetical will, there could be more than one possibility to enter into a negotiation’.
One to keep an eye on, but if it does solely come down to pure hard cash, then we all know the Magpies have the advantage, clearly planning on going all out in the summer to bolster Eddie Howe’s squad should he keep the St James’ Park side away of the relegation zone.
