Newcastle United are reportedly ready to launch a formal bid to sign LOSC Lille defender Sven Botman, who is also a transfer target for AC Milan.
According to a report from Calciomercato.it, Newcastle United are set to make an official offer to secure the services of LOSC Lille defensive mainstay Sven Botman in the January transfer window.
The 21-year-old came through the youth ranks at AFC Ajax but moved to Lille last year in search of regular playing time. Botman became an instant hit in France as he went on to play a key role in Les Dogues surprise Ligue 1 title triumph in 2020/21. While the champions have struggled to perform at the same level as last season, the Dutchman continues to impress with his display in defence.
Botman had been linked with a move away from Lille in the summer but had opted to stay put. However, interest in him has continued to rise over the first half of the season, with Newcastle United expressing great keenness to sign him up in the upcoming January transfer window.
The Magpies have made a poor start to the campaign and are firmly entrenched in the relegation battle, sitting in 19th place. The Newcastle defence has been awful, having let in 34 goals from their 16 league outings, the joint-most in the competition this season. So, new manager Eddie Howe has made it a point to bring in a new centre-back to tighten up things at the back in January.
Several defenders like James Tarkowski, Ben Mee, Nathaniel Phillips have been linked over the past few weeks. However, recent reports have indicated that the Tyneside giants have made Botman their top target heading into the winter transfer window.
Newcastle are not alone in pursuit of the Dutchman, though, with Serie A giants AC Milan also very much interested in his services as they look to replace the injured Simon Kjaer. But, Lille’s asking price of around €30-35 million is outside the Rossoneri’s price range. But Newcastle, given their newfound riches after their takeover, are in a position to meet that valuation.
The report adds that Newcastle are now preparing to launch a formal offer for Botman as they look to blow AC Milan out of the water in the race for his signing. It now remains to be seen if the Magpies can make a big enough offer for Lille to consider parting ways with the 21-year-old next month. Even then, they will have to convince Botman to join the club when they are battling relegation.