Sven Botman’s agent has rubbished claims that the Ligue 1 champion has turned down a move to Premier League strugglers Newcastle United in the January transfer window, speaking to Calciomercato.
Francesco Miniero believes it could take a fee in excess of £30 million to convince Lille to cash in on their star centre-back. And there is very little to suggest that Botman’s agent is wide of the mark.
According to Sky Sports, Lille value Botman at £35 million.
For all you mathematicians out there, that is some £6 million more than the £29 million Newcastle offered for the ex-Ajax youngster on Friday.
Understandably, given his status as a Ligue 1 champion and the ongoing interest of an upwardly-mobile AC Milan side, many have questioned why on earth Botman would opt for a Newcastle side who exited the FA Cup at home to third-tier Cambridge United this weekend.
But, as Miniero points out, Botman could still follow in Kieran Trippier’s footsteps rather than take a leaf out of Lucas Digne’s book.
“(Has he) rejected Newcastle? I think that’s nonsense,” says Miniero, who works for the Dutch-based Muy Manero agency.
“Newcastle are an important club, playing in an important league such as the Premier League. It is true that their placing in the standings is risky (Eddie Howe’s side are 19th in the table) but let’s see what happens.”
Will Newcastle beat AC Milan to Sven Botman?
Less than two years ago, Lille parted with a bargain fee of £8 million as they fought off competition from West Ham and Watford for Botman’s signature.
Wherever he ends up, the 21-year-old is certain to earn Les Dogues a substantial profit.
“We are talking about one of the strongest central defenders in the world. I think the cost could even exceed 30 million,” Miniero adds.
“The boy is having an exponential growth. Sven is a golden boy. I happen to work with many young people and, at this age, they often don’t feel ready. He has shown extraordinary courage, every time I see him play I see continuous improvements.
“Milan are interested, like others, but how it will end I don’t know.”
With a third of the window gone already, Newcastle continue to be linked with the likes of Albert Rusnak, Ibrahima Sangare, Todd Cantwell, Aaron Ramsey and Liverpool benchwarmer Divock Origi.
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