Sven Botman looks Newcastle-bound and AC Milan have given the biggest indication yet that they won’t be signing him from Lille.
Newcastle have secured Nick Pope and Matt Targett but are now focusing on signing a new central defender.
A number of names have been linked as Newcastle look to sign a long-term partner for Dan Burn at the back.
One name continues to come up though and after a January pursuit, it looks like Newcastle are finally closing in on Botman.
Sven Botman looks Newcastle-bound
Amanda Staveley claimed that Botman was desperate to join Newcastle in January but no deal was done.
Newcastle unsurprisingly went back in for Botman this summer but it has been a real slog.
AC Milan have been chasing Botman too as they look to add a left-sided centre back this summer.
Alessio Romagnoli is leaving Milan this summer and finding a left-footed replacement is a priority for the Serie A champions.
Botman has been their top pick but it looks like Stefano Piolo’s men are now bowing out of the race.
Tuttomercatoweb report that, with Milan believing that Botman is joining Newcastle, they are now turning their attention elsewhere.
Milan want to re-sign Lazio defender Francesco Acerbi, who was born in Milan and played for the club in the 2012-13 season.
The 34-year-old isn’t quite as exciting at Botman but can fill a role as the left-sided centre back at the San Siro.
This is another huge hint that Botman is heading to Newcastle amid claims from The Chronicle that he is flying to Newcastle on Monday.
A deal worth £31million plus add-ons is in place and with Milan going for another centre back, it looks like Newcastle really have got their man – finally.
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