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Oscar Haley

Dutch legend Jaap Stam thinks Newcastle United target Sven Botman 'will become one of the best'

Sven Botman is back on Newcastle United's radar after the Magpies reignited their interest in the Dutch defender. Originally pursued back in January, Botman was a key target for the then-new Newcastle ownership.

However, Botman's club Lille played hardball in the transfer window, with the two sides unable to come to any agreement. This left Newcastle to look elsewhere as they signed Dan Burn from Brighton & Hove Albion.

Now that the Magpies will definitely be playing Premier League football next season, they will almost certainly be involved in the conversation for the Dutchman's signature. Botman is left-footed defender will all the attributes to take him to the top. The 22-year-old has already been strongly linked with AC Milan as well following their Serie A title-winning campaign.

READ MORE: Newcastle United confirm purchase of teenage defender Alex Murphy

ChronicleLive has profiled what teammates, coaches and former players have had to say about Botman and what he might bring to St James' Park.

Jaap Stam

If there's one man who knows defenders, it's former Dutch international Jaap Stam. Considered to be one of the best defenders of his generation, Stam played at the highest level for over a decade.

A trophy-laden career saw him win multiple Premier League titles with Manchester United as well as the Champions League. And Stam believes Botman could be one of the best defenders in Europe when all is said and done.

Speaking to Italian daily Gazzetta dello Sport, Stam said: "Whoever takes Sven is set for years, he will become one of the best centre-backs in Europe."

Christophe Galtier

Former Lille manager Christophe Galtier was at the helm when Botman and company won the Ligue 1 title in the 2020/21 season.

Lille lost just three games that season, pipping PSG to the title by a single point. Botman played nearly every single game that season too, featuring 37 times in Ligue 1.

And similar to Stam, Galtier knew as soon as he watched Botman what the Dutch defender was capable of.

'When Luis [Campos] came to me and told me about the player it didn’t take me long to see what he could do, because we knew he would be good in the air, on the ground and with the ball,” Galtier told the Ligue 1 official website.

“So I’m not surprised to see how he’s playing now, although he does have hard-working midfielders in front of him and José is there with his experience to direct him and guide him through games.

“I had Kurt Zouma who was playing there for Saint-Etienne before he turned 17. I hope Sven can go on to have a career like Kurt."

Jose Fonte

Jose Fonte and Botman formed the defensive spine of Lille's title-winning team. While they only managed a 10th-place finish this season in Ligue 1, the two were in impervious form together in their prior campaign.

Fonte is no stranger to the Premier League of course. The Portuguese defender spent seven seasons in the top flight of English football with Southampton and West Ham United. If his praise is anything to go by, Newcastle could have a real player on their hands should they sign Botman.

"He is a top player," Fonte told Talksport's Jim White. "I must say I was surprised when he first arrived. I wasn’t expecting this level of quality, I was expecting a youngster with potential, but the guy is very composed; he’s mature for his age.

"He’s a defender, and by that I mean he likes to defend; he likes to play simple, he’s strong, he’s tall, he wins his duels, he doesn’t overcomplicate the game, he’s good on the ball, left-footed.

"He’s been doing extremely well since he arrived so yeah, no wonder there’s interest in him. If you analyse his performances this year, especially against the top teams we’ve played, you can be sure he can play at the highest level.

"He just needs to keep going, keep improving, keep adding experience to his arsenal and I’m sure he’ll have a great career, he’s been doing really, really well. His personality, his character, he is quiet but he understands the game and he wants to learn. He’s one of the first to arrive at the training ground, he’s a good professional, he likes to do his work and he’s hungry."

Olivier Létang

One man who will certainly be hoping to hype up Botman's ability is Lille president Olivier Letang. Naturally, Letang will want to get the best price possible for Botman should they opt to sell him. Letang has spoken highly of Botman, both as a player and a person.

"Sven already had opportunities to leave last summer," told Le Parisien.

“I told him that he wouldn’t leave and that we would discuss it again at the end of the season. He’s a great person and a top player who deserves to play in a club that can win the Champions League."

"If there’s something which allows everyone to be satisfied next summer, we will discuss it. It’s important to stick to your commitments."

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