Newcastle boss Eddie Howe expects transfer interest in PSG target Sven Botman

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Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe now expects clubs to show an interest in a transfer for Sven Botman this summer. The defender has emerged as a target of Paris Saint-Germain.

That is according to The Northern Echo, which reports Howe expects clubs to target a deal for Botman. But Newcastle are adamant that the 23-year-old will not leave St James’ Park in the off-season. He only arrived on Tyneside last July and agreed to a five-year contract.

Paris Saint-Germain have identified Botman as a player worth targeting as the Ligue 1 side plot a vast overhaul. Parc des Princes chiefs also explored a move for the Dutchman before he joined the Toon. But president Nasser Al-Khelaifi opted against making LOSC Lille a bid.

Newcastle United share Eddie Howe’s refusal to grant the transfer of Sven Botman

Botman’s instant success in Howe’s system has convinced Paris Saint-Germain that it was a mistake to miss out on him. But Newcastle are unwilling to consider a departure as Howe considers the £90k-a-week defender to be a fundamental part of his squad going forward.

Howe and the rest of Newcastle’s transfer department expect further interest will emerge to rival Paris Saint-Germain for Botman. Yet the Magpies share the head coach’s desire for him to remain on Tyneside. The centre-half was Howe’s top target when signed in a £35m move.

Paris Saint-Germain now believe Sven Botman is destined to reach the very top

Reports by iNews have also credited Paris Saint-Germain with an interest in a transfer from Newcastle this summer for Botman. It also notes that Les Parisiens’ senior football advisor, Luis Campos, believes the Dutchman is fated to become one of Europe’s best defenders.

But Howe and the Magpies intend to rebuff any and all approaches for the 12-cap enforcer in the off-season. He has started 21 of his 22 Premier League appearances from a potential 24 games so far this season. Botman also opened five of his seven matches in the EFL Cup.

The 6 ft 5 enforcer’s efforts have also captivated many, including Jamie Redknapp. He told Sky Sports, via Chronicle Live, after Newcastle edged his former team, Tottenham Hotspur:

“Botman at the back, we’ve seen some good centre-backs in this league [but] he’s got the capabilities to be better than them. He’s a real leader of men, what a special player he is.”