According to the Northern Echo, Newcastle have agreed a fee with Lille over the signing of Sven Botman, who is also a target for Tottenham and Manchester United.
What’s the story?
Well, this is a significant breakthrough for Newcastle and Eddie Howe.
The Magpies have been monitoring the 22-year-old for some time now, and even submitted a bid for his services in January – sadly, a deal failed to materialise.
After that unsuccessful bid, Amanda Staveley admitted that Botman was keen to join Newcastle, which suggests the Magpies now have a good chance of landing him after a fee was agreed with Lille.
The Northern Echo believe Newcastle will pay £30m for the Netherlands international, and now, discussions over the structure of the deal are taking place.
In order to stick to their original budget, and stay within Financial Fair Play regulations, Staveley and Mehrdad Ghodoussi are keen to spread the payments for their deals this summer over as long a period as possible.
However, while Lille are being offered £15m upfront, the Ligue 1 outfit are demanding more of the £30m to be paid immediately.
In 32 appearances last season, Botman scored three goals, while also providing one assist.
Newcastle set to embarrass Tottenham & Manchester United
By the sounds of it, Newcastle are about to get one over on Spurs and the Red Devils.
Botman is a Champions League player, who shone in the competition for Lille last season as the French side reached the Round of 16, where they were knocked out by Chelsea.
With Antonio Conte at the helm, Tottenham can offer Botman the chance to work under an elite coach, while also playing in the Champions League.
Manchester United cannot offer Champions League football, although with the arrival of Erik ten Hag, there is an exciting project taking place at Old Trafford.
Therefore, Newcastle will do exceptionally well if they can outmuscle two of England’s biggest clubs at the moment to sign Botman – only time will tell if they can get this deal over the line.
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