Sven Botman of Lille is the centre of attention for AC Milan and Newcastle during these days. As widely reported, the Premier League club are keen on him but the Rossoneri are also there, despite not being able to match what The Magpies are willing to put on the table.
According to The Athletic, Botman is keen to resolve his future. Last month, Newcastle feared Botman was heading to AC Milan, but then grew in confidence that the defender was still receptive to moving to Tyneside.
Lille, however, have been difficult to negotiate with and the English club are starting to feel that the French side are increasing their financial requests whenever an agreement was close. . There are some around Newcastle who suspect Botman would prefer to join Milan, but believe Newcastle’s financial strength means Lille prefer their higher offer of around £30 million (around 35 million euros).
Newcastle, for their part, are refusing to merely accept whatever Lille asks for and, "like with every deal, are haggling — as well as considering alternative targets", writes the Athletic.
The Magpies are evaluating alternative players right now which have been already drawn up by Steve Nickson who is the head of recruitment. There have been several names proposed to them by agents and clubs. However, they are only concentrating on the names that have been identified by their own management.
Everton-bound Burnley defender James Tarkowski was mentioned in recruitment meetings, but Newcastle preferred Botman. Manchester City’s Nathan Ake and Bournemouth’s Lloyd Kelly have very high pricetags. For now, Botman, like Ekitike (20-year-old French-Cameroonian striker of Reims), remains the priority, yet they are willing to move on should progress not arrive soon.
