Newcastle United are set to be back in the hunt for Lille centre-back Sven Botman after AC Milan have reportedly stopped pursuing a move for the Dutchman.
The Magpies been heavily linked with a move for the Netherlands international, but Botman had been set to snub interest and instead join Milan, who lifted the Serie A title for the 2021/22 season.
However, Sky Italy have now claimed that the newly crowned Italian champions and seven-time European Cup winners are not targeting a move for he 22-year-old, who won the Ligue 1 title during his debut campaign in France after leaving Ajax’s reserves two years ago.
The same report, which claims that Milan are moving away from Botman, claims that Newcastle ’s interest in the centre-back is growing “stronger and stronger,” although Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur are also reportedly monitoring the Dutchman’s future in France.
The report adds that Lille have set an asking price of between €40m and €45m for the Dutchman, while The Telegraph had reported earlier this week that no fee had been agreed with Newcastle to sign Botman.
Botman is one of a number of centre-backs who have been credited with transfer interest from Newcastle this summer, who are likely to spend big as they did in January following the club’s Saudi takeover by PIF in October 2021.
Should Newcastle United try and sign Sven Botman, Nathan Ake, both or neither? Have your say in the comments section.
As well as Botman, Manchester City ’s Nathan Ake has been linked with a reunion with his former Bournemouth boss Eddie Howe at St James’ Park. However, reports claim that City have asked for £50m for the defender who they paid Bournemouth £41m to sign just two years ago, despite playing just 24 league games across the last two seasons.
Speaking earlier this week while on international duty with the Netherlands, Ake said that despite his lack of game time since joining City, his focus remains on staying and becoming a part of Pep Guardiola’s regular side and not on a summer departure.
"Last season was very unhappy due to injuries, I don't really count that year,” Ake told NOS. “This season I was really 100 per cent present and I played more. You notice an improvement in yourself, how you play. I felt good.”
Ake added when asked if he intends to stay at City and fight for a regular starting spot: "I will go into the season with that intention. I will do everything I can to play even more."
Newcastle have also been linked with Burnley centre-back James Tarkowski, who is set to become a free agent following the Clarets’ relegation last month. However, reports claim that Tarkowski will have a medical with Everton on Wednesday ahead of joining the Toffees.
There is also expected to be a push for at least one attacking signing and Toon bosses hold a strong interest in signing Hugo Ekitike from Stade de Reims and in Everton’s Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
