AC Milan have called time on their bid for Sven Botman - according to Sky Italia. News bulletins in Italy, which are believed to have been well briefed by Milan officials, are now suggesting that Newcastle United's decision to crank up the price to €55million has resulted in Stefano Pioli's side dropping out of the race to sign the Dutchman.
The Serie A champions are already waiting for US private equity firm RedBird Capital Partners to complete a €1.3 billion and this week they asked Botman's representatives for more time.
Milan thought they had a €30m deal with Botman earlier in the year but fresh reports are suggesting they have turned to other targets. The Lille defender is Newcastle's first choice centre-back with Eddie Howe keen to strengthen.