Sven Botman’s arrival at Newcastle United would set the bar for the summer transfer window to come - if the Magpies can beat AC Milan to the defender’s signature.
The Lille defender is set to leave the French club and the race seems very much between Newcastle and Italian champions AC Milan. That very fact shows how far United have come in terms of the standard of player they are now targeting following the takeover.
Botman was targeted by Newcastle in the January market but the club decided to go elsewhere after being quoted a price well above £40m - turning to Diego Carlos and then finally signing Dan Burn. Carlos will now join Aston Villa, while Burn impressed in his debut months at St James’ Park.
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It is no secret that United are in the market for another centre-back and that Botman remains at the top of their list. Speaking on The Everything is Black and White Podcast, Newcastle United Editor Aaron Stokes believes a deal for Botman would be huge.
“These are the levels that Newcastle are looking at now,” he told host Andrew Musgrove, “and if they could get Botman in over AC Milan what a statement it would be for the rest of the window.
“Before the summer had even begun we knew Newcastle were interested in Botman and he came out and said there had been talks in January. Then AC Milan burst in and it looked like they had an agreement but fast-forward and you’ve got their president Paulo Maldini almost playing down the story.
“Is he playing it down to save face or to keep people guessing? I don’t know but it does look like it’s between those two clubs. If they can get Sven Botman in, he’s seven years younger than Diego Carlos, he probably won’t cost much more and from what I’ve heard from people in France, whoever gets him this summer is going to get a young centre-back who could become one of the best in the world.”
With Newcastle United looking to sign several players of quality before the new season kicks off, it is a change to what fans had become used to under the previous owner Mike Ashley. Speaking about the change, Musgrove noted: "It's refreshing to see Newcastle in the market for more than one or two improvements.
"Under Ashley, you would have been shocked if there was more than one serious addition to the squad whereas here they are really looking to add the squad because the owners don't want to stand still."
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