Newcastle reportedly remain in the race to sign Lille defender Sven Botman this summer – but face strong competition from AC Milan for the Dutchman. However, they might just win that race – thanks to Toon ace Fabian Schar.
Schar, 30, is currently a key part of Eddie Howe’s Newcastle side – starting 11 of the 13 Premier League matches since Howe took control. But the Switzerland international is out of contract at the end of the season.
The Mail report that numerous Premier League clubs, and European sides, are interested in signing the ex-Deportivo, Hoffenheim and Basel star. Sevilla, Valencia and Napoli are all interested – as are AC Milan.
It could be the latter that proves intriguing, and hands Newcastle a potential boost in their pursuit of Lille star Botman. Milan have been strongly linked with a move to beat Newcastle and sign the defender.
Schar choosing Milan surely helps Newcastle sign Botman?
Fabrizio Romano recently reported that Milan had held talks with the agents of Botman – and talks went well. He also reported that Newcastle had been pushing hard to sign the Lille ace “for months”.
TMW say Botman is rated at £25million – but signing Newcastle star Schar will obviously reduce Milan’s need for a centre-back. In signing Schar, Milan would save a whole heap of cash they might have spent on Botman.
So, if Schar chooses Milan, surely the Italian side will cool their interest in Botman and give Newcastle a much better chance of being able to attract the ex-Ajax man to Tyneside in the summer – if they stay up, of course.
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