Newcastle United spent much of the January transfer window trying to sign Sven Botman from Lille, only to come up against a big wall from the Ligue 1 club.
On deadline day of the winter market, the defender openly spoke about the situation, and was quoted by Voetbal International as saying: “Newcastle is working on a great project and I thought it would be fun to be a part of it. Especially if you look at where Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain once started.”
That certainly makes it sound like the 22-year-old was at the very least tempted by a move to the Magpies and what it could mean for his future career.
During February, Amanda Staveley said the Dutchman had been keen on a move to Newcastle United, and remained so ahead of the summer window.
Therefore, the continual cockiness coming from the media close to AC Milan feels at least a little misplaced.
On Tuesday, we covered claims that Newcastle’s offer had been returned by Botman, with the defender allegedly telling the club he’d prefer the Rossoneri.
MilanNews24 now say the player has ‘rejected the advances of Newcastle and other Premier League clubs’.
That simply doesn’t fit in with what the player has said himself, or the messages being sent out by the English club.
Indeed, MilanNews24 even say there’s no certainty over an agreement with Lille, something Newcastle will obviously find easier than Milan.
So, it wouldn’t even make sense for Botman to snub Eddie Howe’s side, if Milan haven’t reached an agreement with his current club.
