Here are the latest Newcastle United evening headlines on Tuesday, April 5.
Major Botman update
Newcastle United are set to miss out on the signing of Lille centre back Sven Botman this summer as he closes in on a move to AC Milan. That is according to Fabrizio Romano, who claims AC Milan are now in advanced talks and Botman is prepared to accept the Serie A side’s contract proposal.
The Magpies were very keen on signing Botman in the January transfer window but could not tempt Lille into selling midway through the season. Newcastle were looking likely to revisit their interest in the upcoming transfer window, however it appears they have been beaten to his signature by the Rossoneri.
Emery breaks silence
Unai Emery has admitted Newcastle United's 'attractive project' tempted him but decided to stay put in his homeland out of respect to his employers. Newcastle's owners launched a thorough search for a new manager following Steve Bruce's departure last October.
A list of dozens of coaches around the world was narrowed down to just two names: Emery and Eddie Howe. Howe soon emerged as the frontrunner after Newcastle's approach for Emery leaked just hours before Villarreal's crucial Champions League group clash against Young Boys. Emery, unnerved, ultimately turned Newcastle down and the former Arsenal boss has now explained that decision.
“The Newcastle project is an attractive project, something to build, different to Arsenal,” he told the Athletic. "With Arsenal, you first had to knock down the walls, which is hard work, then start to build again. Newcastle no, it was just about building, from the ground up. So it is different, and I liked the idea.
“The Premier League is an attractive league for all us coaches. So when Newcastle called me, I thought a lot about the opportunity to return to England, to a serious project. For me, it was a source of pride, satisfaction and I appreciated it.” Read more from Emery here.
Enrique on ASM
Jose Enrique believes Allan Saint-Maximin and Matt Targett 'benefit each other' and admits he would have 'loved' to have played alongside Newcastle United's number 10. The French forward has struggled with injury and illness in recent weeks, and has seen his recent performances questioned by sections of the fanbase.
United's recent tactical improvements and dedication to the press out of possession has led some to demand more from the forward out of possession. Enrique however believes Saint-Maximin's style of play actually allows left-back Targett more freedom on the left flank and opted against dwelling on some of the defensive concerns some may have.
Speaking on behalf of Genting Casino, Enrique told ChronicleLive: "I would have loved to have played with Saint-Maximin to be honest. I think good players understand each other, and I think when you have a player like this in front of you, it benefits Targett.
"Saint-Maximin is going to have two players on him the entire time so he is going to have more space to run. When he goes one-v-one, you're going to let him do it because you know he can do it.
"I would be really happy to have him in front of me, I think between me and him we would have killed the left side! Having a player like this with [Ryan] Fraser on the right side who maybe has to link up and cross in more, and with Maxi being right footed as well it will more or less leave of the left side for Targett.
"I think they benefit each other. If it was me, I would be really happy to have someone like Maxi in front of me."
For the latest Newcastle news direct to your inbox, go here to sign up to our free newsletter
