According to Gazzetta dello Sport, Newcastle are still interested in signing Sven Botman, despite AC Milan making significant progress in their pursuit.
What’s the story?
Well, it was Calciomercato who first revealed that the €9m (£8m) man had agreed to join AC Milan, despite interest from Newcastle.
For most clubs, that would signal the end of their interest, although Newcastle aren’t giving up.
Gazzetta dello Sport believe the Magpies are not letting go of the Dutchman, and the Italian news outlet add that the ‘game is not over yet’.
Back in January, Newcastle bid £29.3m for the 22-year-old, which was deemed to be too low by Lille.
Eventually, the towering centre-back stayed put in France, but it seems like he’s now destined to leave this summer.
So far this season, Botman has made 27 appearances in all competitions, scoring three goals.
Newcastle can convince Sven Botman
In our view, Newcastle can still lure Botman to St James’ Park, despite his agreement with AC Milan.
Amanda Staveley recently told The Athletic that the defender is interested in joining the Magpies, and with significant funds to spend this summer, Newcastle can surely sway him with an attractive salary package.
The 48-year-old said: “Some desperately wanted to come to us, like Sven (Botman), who still does very much and has talked very openly about that.”
AC Milan are a giant of European football, but even they cannot match the finances on offer at Newcastle nowadays – few clubs can, if any.
The major question mark for Newcastle in their pursuit of Botman was if they’d preserve their Premier League status.
However, after Eddie Howe oversaw a nine-game unbeaten run before the 1-0 loss to Chelsea, those fears have now eased significantly.
Therefore, keep a close eye on Newcastle and Botman this summer, as anything could happen.
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