Sven Botman is having doubts on leaving LOSC Lille for Newcastle United in the January transfer window, with a bid in the offing from the St James’ Park outfit, according to 90min.
The Magpies are pushing hardest to win the race for Botman’s services next month, with a host of European rivals. Clubs across the continent have scouted the Dutchman in action at the Stade Pierre Mauroy, with his agent informing potential suitors of his likely availability.
Lille are in no rush to sell the 21-year-old next month, but may struggle to turn down large offers. They only paid Ajax £7m for him last year, so are aware of the profit on the table.
Newcastle are extremely keen to sign Botman in January, having turned to the Lille star in search of a high-calibre defender. The Toon had targeted Burnley star James Tarkowski, but a deal for the England international is currently unlikely despite his contract ending in 2022.
Eddie Howe’s side now deem Botman one of their top mid-season targets and are pushing hard for a transfer. West Ham and Leicester have also made enquiries into the Netherlands U21 international courted by heavily AC Milan, and now scouted by Chelsea as well.
Botman unsure on leaving Lille for Newcastle in January transfer
But while Newcastle admire Botman, the Lille star is unsure on leaving the Ligue 1 side for Tyneside in January. He and his representatives have not bought into the Magpies’ project wholeheartedly. They also doubt if joining a relegation fight would be wise for his career.
Botman’s camp have not dismissed the idea of joining Newcastle from Lille in a January transfer, though. They would be interested in holding talks, should the sides agree a fee.
One issue for Botman is his wish to help Les Dogues in the Champions League. They are in the last 16, and the defender wants to face Chelsea in their February and March meetings.
Botman also hopes his stand-out form at the Stade Pierre Mauroy helps toward earning his Netherlands debut in 2022. He is the Dutch U21 captain, but is yet to make his senior bow.
How much would Botman cost?
Reports by Calciomercato.it earlier this week also claimed Newcastle are preparing to make Lille an offer for Botman’s transfer. The Toon are ready to spend big on Howe’s top targets and could blow AC Milan out of the water.
Lille would want around €30m-35m (£25.5m-30m) for Botman to leave the northernmost region of France next month. And it is likely he will head north to England if he does depart.
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