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For the past few days, reports coming out of Italy have suggested Newcastle United are now ahead of AC Milan in the race for Lille’s Sven Botman.

On Saturday, Calciomercato.it stated the Magpies are ready to break the €40m barrier to sign the defender.

It was also reported the 22-year-old could change his mind and join Newcastle, even though he has agreed a five-year deal with the Italian champions.

However, the centre-back still favours a move to the San Siro, if the latest claims coming out of Italy are to be believed.

Sky Italia state the Dutchman remains a target for the Rossoneri this summer. It’s claimed he will wait for Milan, while Newcastle United ‘push to close the deal’ for the Ligue 1 man.

Claims made by Sky Italia are echoed by TuttoMercatoWeb editor-in-chief Andrea Losapio, who claims the Tyneside club are in the picture, along with the Serie A winners.

However, the journalist states the centre-back ‘has no intention of going to’ St James’ Park this summer.

With two sources insisting the player doesn’t favour joining Eddie Howe’s side, Newcastle will have to convince Botman to have any chance of securing his services this summer.