After multiple failed attempts to sign Sven Botman from Lille in the January transfer window, Newcastle United are already in discussions to secure his services ahead of a summer move.
The Netherlands under-21 international was the north east club’s top centre-back target last month but a move failed to materialise after the Ligue 1 club insisted on playing hard ball.
The Magpies had a bid in the region of £50m rejected, before they eventually gave up on the situation and signed Dan Burn from Brighton & Hove Albion instead.
But Eddie Howe’s side remain intent on negotiating a deal for the 22-year-old as they plan on launching a scathing attack on the Premier League next year should they secure their status by the end of the season.
United face added competition from Tottenham Hotspur and AC Milan for his signature, but Chronicle Live reports that the club’s hierarchy are ready to do whatever it takes to sign their man.
Will it be second time lucky for Newcastle in signing Sven Botman in the summer? Let us know what you think in the comments section below.
The Magpies have gone back in with negotiations after Lille and Botman’s agent, Muy Manero, didn’t completely rule out the potential of a future move.
And this has certainly given off the impression that a deal could yet be agreed come the end of the season.
The Ligue 1 side remained keen on keeping Botman as they have aspirations of qualifying for the Champions League next season, whilst they have also made it through to the knockout stages of the competition this campaign.
But once this season is over with, they will be more open to exploring their options.
And Amanda Staveley and the Newcastle board remain intent on continuing negotiations, with Botman the type of player they believe they should be bringing to the club.
Yet they only stand a chance of that should they remain in the Premier League for next season, as they currently fight for survival.
But now there is also added competition from Premier League rivals Spurs, as well as Italian giants AC Milan, who could both arguably be more attractive options for Botman depending on his aspirations.
Following the transfer speculation last month, Botman said: “Everyone says about Newcastle - it's all about money.
"But it's a very nice project if you look at where Man City and PSG started. I think it would be very nice to be part of that, but Milan is a beautiful club."
One thing that the Magpies do hold an advantage in is their financial power, where they could most likely offer Botman a more lucrative deal than the other two clubs.
Attracting top players to the north east is also a way of convincing others, like Botman, to join, with Bruno Guimaraes being the perfect example following his £33m switch from Lyon.
Nonetheless, the Magpies are refusing to give up on their pursuit of the defender and it wouldn’t be a surprise to see them finally succeed given their financial advantage.
