Speaking on the Transfer Window Podcast, Duncan Castles has shared what he knows about Sven Botman amid links to Newcastle United.
The Magpies have been linked with Botman over the past week, and while fans have been excited about the prospect of bringing the Dutch defender to St James’ Park, they may be even more exuberant after this update.
Indeed, according to Castles, Lille are absolutely desperate to raise cash this January, so they’re willing to let Botman move on for just €25m (£21.5m), which is a bargain fee for a 21-year-old Ligue 1 winning centre-back with experience at Champions League level.
What’s been said about Botman?
Castles says that Newcastle are in talks about a bargain move for Botman, but he believes the centre-back could also be coveted by some bigger clubs.
“Sven Botman. My information is that, Lille, because of their desperation to create income in this window, they may sell Botman for as little as €25m. There are definitely discussions with the player’s representatives. The deal has not been done, I’m told it is a possibility, but it is not a straightforward move. When it comes out that Botman is available for €25m, the chances are that a club in a better league position will have an interest in that deal and will compete with Newcastle. Then you have the question of whether or not they can convince a player of Botman’s quality to come to Newcastle with the promise of money and something good down the line rather than going to a more established club,” Castles said.
Competition
Newcastle would be getting a great deal if they can pull this move for Botman off, but surely, they’ll face competition.
Botman has been one of the most highly-coveted centre-halves in Europe over the past 12 months with the likes of Liverpool and Tottenham keen on him at several points of the past year.
Of course, Newcastle can offer him a massive pay-packet, but if the Dutchman wants to chase success and trophies, he may want to look elsewhere.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
