Newcastle United have been repeatedly linked with a swoop for Dutch defender Sven Botman and if they are plotting a summer bid, they may be encouraged by a recent development at his current employers Lille.
Reports indicate the Ligue 1 champions have been ordered to pay Sporting Lisbon €20m by the Court of Arbitration for Sport as part of a dispute over AC Milan forward Rafael Leao.
Leao terminated his contract with the Portuguese club in 2018 and joined Lille on a free transfer, and went on to seal a €23m move to the Serie A giants the following year.
If the French club are forced to part with €20m, their resolve when it comes to retaining Botman could be tested and Newcastle could benefit if they table a bid.
Go here for all the latest Newcastle United news
As reported by our chief Newcastle United writer Lee Ryder, Magpies scouts watched Botman star in a 0-0 draw with Metz last Friday.
Newcastle supporters took to social media following the claim from GFFN and some urged Lille to allow Botman to make the switch to St James' Park.
@agbnufc_ tweeted: "Sell Botman to us and we can cover all these costs for you lads @LOSC_EN."
@gary_halman tweeted: "That’s Botman to Newcastle sorted then, talk of Milan offering 30 million Euros is not enough Lille basically selling him for 10 million Euros, they will want much as possible to dig them out a hole and replace the CB [centre-back]."
Seemingly addressing Lille, @TTV_MULD00NY tweeted: "Give us Botman lads, we’ll take care of the rest."
@JnathanN tweeted: "Good news for #nufc re[garding] Sven Botman I’d say. They’re [Lille] definitely gonna need the £££ in the summer."
@DaveWild1980 tweeted: "Hi @LOSC_EN, you know that £50m #nufc offered for Sven Botman in January that you turned down, it’s now £40m. Want to do a deal?"
Despite not striking a deal for Botman, Newcastle have managed to enjoy a resurgence inspired by January transfer window additions.
For the latest Newcastle news direct to your inbox, go here to sign up to our free newsletter
Their defence in particular has tightened significantly, enabling Eddie Howe's side to concede just two goals across their last four league games.
It is currently unclear as to whether Newcastle will lodge another bid for Botman but if they do, a financial blow to Lille could provide beneficial to their pursuit.
We want to hear your thoughts, so LOG IN and leave your comment below
