Reported Newcastle target Sven Botman is now on the radar for Serie A giants AC Milan, with technical director Paolo Maldini a huge fan of the LOSC Lille centre-back.
According to Gianluca Di Marzio, the Italian side are eager to sign a defender in January, with the Dutch youngster one of the targets on the top of Milan’s wishlist. As per the report, Maldini is ‘crazy’ for Botman, with the 21-year-old one of Lille’s best-performing players.
As reported by Fabrizio Romano earlier in the week, Newcastle are hot on the chase for Botman, with the former Ajax academy graduate talent attracting interest from other clubs around Europe. Moreover, as per Gianluca Di Marzio, Lille will be open to selling the defender for €40m (£34m).
Indeed, Botman could well leave France in the winter with the reigning Ligue 1 champions desperate to raise some funds. Lille, like many clubs in the country, are in dire financial straits. And selling players are a key avenue to acquire some vital cash.
With the likes of Renato Sanches and Jonathan David also on the market for Lille, one big name is likely to depart the northeast French club. And with Botman shining, there’s a strong chance the defender could be the one to be sacrificed with the likes of Newcastle and Milan interested.
Newcastle uphill battle to sign Botman with Milan now keen
With Newcastle needing added quality in the defence they are to save their season, the Toon could make a move for Botman. However, Milan’s interest in the defender could complicate matters for Eddie Howe’s side.
After all, Milan are fighting for the Serie A title this campaign, with the Italian giants currently sitting second in the table. And Botman will no doubt be tempted by the prospect of more silverware over potentially playing second-tier football in 2022.
The race to sign Botman is already a tight one for Newcastle. But with Milan now in the picture, it could be near-impossible for the relegation-threatened side to convince one of Europe’s most exciting talents to make the switch.
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