According to The Times, Newcastle United are now confident that they can convince Sven Botman to choose a move to St James’ Park over a move to AC Milan.
Botman is one of the most coveted centre-backs in Europe at the moment. He’s been linked with Newcastle, Manchester United and Milan, but the Magpies now believe they will be able to win the race.
As we’re sure all Newcastle fans remember, Botman was one of the Magpies’ top targets in the January transfer window, and the Tyneside club went to great lengths to try to sign him, bidding big-money on numerous occasions.
Unfortunately for United, they couldn’t strike a deal to bring the defender to St James’ Park in the winter window, but now, a deal for the defensive ‘machine’ looks like it could be back on the cards.
Amanda Staveley stated in an interview with The Athletic earlier this year that Botman does want to join the Tyneside club, but, as ever, in football things can be deceiving.
Indeed, while Staveley thinks Botman wants to join, the fact that his negotiations with AC Milan were so advanced at one point would indicate that a move to St James’ Park isn’t his number one priority.
However, with Dan Ashworth now at the helm and a project being built, Newcastle have had a fresh chance to sell a move to Newcastle to the Dutch defender, and the club believe they have done enough to convince him to sign on the dotted line.
It remains to be seen whether or not the Magpies will land their man, but after this report from The Times, things are looking positive.
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