‘Very good’: After Newcastle bid, rival chief hails £40m ace they also want

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AC Milan Technical Director Paolo Maldini has discussed reported Newcastle transfer target Sven Botman on DAZN, via quotes by Calciomercato, amid rival interest in the Lille star.

The Rossoneri are in the market for a new centre-half this month after Simon Kjaer needed knee surgery. The Dane underwent an operation in December and is out for six-months.

Kjaer was Stefano Pioli’s favoured option, before sustaining a season-ending injury against Genoa. Yet Milan must operate with tight financial limits in their search for a replacement.

But Milan admire what Botman has produced at Lille since joining the Ligue 1 side in 2020. He helped Les Dogues clinch the French top-flight title in his first term, and Calciomercato note the Rossoneri now consider him the ideal replacement for Kjaer if a deal is possible.

Yet Newcastle are stealing a march in the Botman transfer race to try and beat Milan to the Lille enforcer. The Athletic report the Toon have submitted an improved offer for the £40m talent. The Stade Pierre Mauroy natives rejected a €35m (£29m) bid, per Fabrizio Romano.

Milan chief Maldini vocalises praise of Lille star and Newcastle target Botman

Lille are reluctant to sell Botman to either Newcastle or AC Milan in the January transfer widow. They are still challenging in the Champions League and trail in the Ligue 1 table for a return next season. But their financial problems may force a deal if a side offers £40m.

Maldini has now vocalised his admiration of Botman, but noted Milan can only move for targets under the right conditions. So, Botman’s future may be swinging toward Newcastle.

“Botman is a very good player,” Maldini said. “Of course, he is owned by Lille and has a contract until 2024. Of course, he is not the only good player, there are other players available. Perhaps the only need right now, due to Simon’s injury, is that of a defender.

“Then if we will take a defender on loan for six-months or a definitive solution for the next few years, we will also have to evaluate based on the price of the player himself and the type of player we will identify.”