Newcastle United could suffer a major blow to their summer transfer plans if Sven Botman signs for AC Milan. The Magpies had a number of bids knocked back in January and the Serie A outfit have emerged as the frontrunners for his signature.
According to Fabrizo Romano, Milan are "really close" to agreeing a deal for the Dutch centre-back, with Botman keen on a move to the league leaders. The 22-year-old is believed to be keen on a move to Italy with the Rossoneri the favourites for his signature.
Newcastle would be able to offer a better financial package than the Italian outfit given their recent takeover, but the lure of Champions League football may prove too strong with Milan in pole position. It's unclear whether the Magpies would go back in for Botman in the summer.
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ChronicleLive has used macro-football, a tool that compares player and club similarity, to see which alternatives Newcastle could target in the summer.
Eder Militao is the centre-half who is most similar to Botman, but the fact he plays for Real Madrid would likely rule out any potential move to St. James' Park. With that in mind we've taken a look at the five alternatives Newcastle could target.
Gianluca Mancini
A standout performer for AS Roma and one of the best fits to replace Botman according to marco-football. With a 98 per cent similarity to the Dutch centre-back, Mancini is 25-years-old and has the best years of his career ahead of him.
The Italian was named in the Europa League team of the season last year and is held in high regard. He's yet to play outside of Italy but has been a mainstay at Roma for the past three seasons. The centre-back is capable of playing in a back three or back four, something that would suit Eddie Howe's approach to games.
The defender has also shown versatility by playing at right-back and defensive midfield. Roma present a 42 per cent club similarity to Newcastle, and with lofty aspirations, could tempt the defender to Tyneside.
Nemanja Gudelj
Sevilla centre-back Nemanja Gudelj presents a 97% similarity to Sven Botman, but at 30 years of age is at a different stage of his career. The Serbian international has made 70 appearances for the La Liga outfit since signing in 2019.
Gudelj has had to play second fiddle to Newcastle United target Diego Carlos and former Chelsea target Jules Kounde. The Magpies have not had the best of time dealing with the Spanish club with their Carlos pursuit well documented.
Newcastle are expected to go back in for Carlos this summer after being told that the La Liga outfit would be open to negotiations at the end of the season. It's unlikely that they'd sell two centre-halves to the Magpies but it's interesting to see how Gudelj compares to Botman.
Jason Denayer
Newcastle United have already been linked with Bruno Guimaraes' former team-mate - Jason Denayer of Lyon - and he has a 97 per cent similarity with Sven Botman. The 26-year-old Belgian international is available on a free transfer this summer after failing to agree a new deal with OL.
Denayer has already played and lived in the North-East after a spell at Sunderland in 2017 and would be open to a return. A move for the defender would also prove a good move financially, with Newcastle's £50million approach for Botman rejected in January.
The former Manchester City defender now has Champions League and Europa League experience and would prove a viable option for Newcastle.
Jonathan Tah
Another defender from the continent, Jonathan Tah has a 96 per cent similarity to Sven Botman and is among the best defenders in the Bundesliga. The German international was named in the Europa League team of the season in 2019-20 and has plenty of pedigree.
Tah's signed a new deal to stay at Leverkusen last year until the summer of 2025. The German outfit have no desire to cash in on the 26-year-old so a big fee could be required if Newcastle are to tempt him to Tyneside.
Robin Le Normand
Somewhat of an unknown quantity, Le Normand has a 96 per cent similarity to Botman. The Real Sociedad also boasts a 53 per cent club similarity, which could work in Newcastle's favour should they try and lure him to Tyneside.
The 25-year-old stands at 6ft1 and has been impressive for the La Liga outfit. The French central defender won the La Liga player of the month for October and was rewarded with a new contract for his fine form. La Real are pushing for the European places and Le Normand has been integral to their form.
