‘We were clear’: President issues update on £35m star after Newcastle bid

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Sven Botman is unlikely to solve Newcastle United’s centre-back transfer hunt, as LOSC Lille President Olivier Letang has ruled out the Dutchman leaving his Ligue 1 side in January.

The Magpies and AC Milan have examined Botman for switches to the Premier League and Serie A this month. But Letang has today stated Les Dogues will not cash in as they look to challenge Chelsea in the Champions League round of 16, via quotes by TuttoMercatoWEB.

Lille visit Stamford Bridge on February 22 before hosting Thomas Tuchel’s side at the Stade Pierre Mauroy on March 16. They booked a knockout phase spot after finishing as Group G winners, while Chelsea trailed Juventus in Group H.

Botman featured in three of Lille’s six Champions League group stage ties for one win and a clean sheet. He has also made 12 appearances in Ligue 1 this season after missing two-months through injury. Jocelyn Gourvennec’s side have shut out two of his outings so far.

Letang ends Newcastle hopes of transfer for Lille star Botman

Botman has impressed Newcastle with his Lille displays to convince Eddie Howe to target a January transfer. Sky Sports report the Toon have lodged two bids, with the second worth £29m. But Les Dogues rebuffed the Magpies’ advances after setting a £35m asking price.

The St James’ Park natives’ reluctance to bridge a £6m gap may have cost them a chance of a deal. Letang has now issued a firm refusal to do any business in the mid-season sales.

“We were already asked for Sven last summer, but we were clear: for this season, we need him,” Letang stated. “We are also making a move in the Champions League, where we qualified for the first knockout round of the group.

“There are important goals for this second part of the year. So, Botman will stay with us to pursue them until the end of the season.”

Newcastle have targeted alternative centre-halves in the January transfer window as they struggle to sign Botman from Lille. Sky Sports note talks remain ongoing with Monaco for Benoit Badiashile. But the Monegasques want €60m (£50m) bids to entertain any offers.

Sevilla, meanwhile, are ‘increasingly concerned’ that Diego Carlos will leave as Newcastle eye a transfer, per 90min. But the Toon remain just shy of matching the La Liga side’s price.