Newcastle United are the latest Premier League team to join the race for LOSC Lille defender Sven Botman.
According to L’Equipe, the Toon, along with Manchester City, Tottenham and West Ham are all keen on the Dutch ‘revelation’. Botman was key to Lille’s Ligue 1 title-winning season last campaign.
Lille are eager to retain the defender this summer. Indeed, whilst the likes of Renato Sanches are up for the sale, the French side are determined to keep hold of Botman.
The report states that only bids of €50m (£43m) will be entertained for the Dutchman.
Newcastle are one of the few Premier League sides this summer to yet make a signing in the window. Indeed, it has been a quiet few weeks for Steve Bruce’s team in terms of transfers, with Joe Willock seemingly the club’s priority.
The Arsenal midfielder was phenomenal for Newcastle last campaign in his short-term loan spell with the northeast club.
Willock hit eight goals for the Magpies as the England youth international became the youngest player in Premier League history to score in seven consecutive games.
But, talks with the north London side seem to have stalled. At one point it looked almost certain that Willock was heading back to Newcastle.
However, things have cooled down between the two clubs as the start of the Premier League season approaches.
Indeed, with the Gunners keen to sign a midfielder this window, they could allow Willock to return to Newcastle before the end of the window in a month.
Newcastle will struggle to sign Botman
As to Botman, whilst Newcastle could do with reinforcements to the centre-back position, it is unlikely that the club will meet Lille’s asking price for the defender.
Moreover, with the likes of City and Tottenham keen on the Dutchman, it will take some effort for Bruce’s side to win the race for the Ligue 1 star.
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