NEWCASTLE are interested in signing Lille defender Sven Botman, according to reports. The Dutchman has been linked with the likes of Liverpool and Tottenham in the past. But ambitious Toon want to trump their Prem rivals. According to The Athletic, Botman is among their ‘primary targets’. With Lille set to qualify for the last 16 […]
NEWCASTLE are interested in signing Lille defender Sven Botman, according to reports.
The Dutchman has been linked with the likes of Liverpool and Tottenham in the past.
But ambitious Toon want to trump their Prem rivals.
According to The Athletic, Botman is among their ‘primary targets’.
With Lille set to qualify for the last 16 of the Champions League, however, it will take an ‘exceptional’ offer for the French side to sell mid-season.
Botman is under contract in France until 2025, so Newcastle may need to bid around £40million to land the 21-year-old.
He would also demand a salary that would immediately place him among the Toon’s highest earners.
Eddie Howe’s side grabbed their first win of the season on Saturday, beating Burnley 1-0 at St James’ Park.
FREE BETS: GET THE LATEST BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS AND FREE BETS
But the former Bournemouth boss is still keen to bolster his defence.
SunSport reported over the weekend that the Toon are chasing Kieran Trippier, James Tarkowski and Ben Mee to aid their battle against the drop.
And Botman also appears to be on their wishlist.
The Dutch ace received his first international call-up last year, but is yet to be capped at senior level.
Botman joined Lille from Ajax in 2020.
He has gone on to make 60 appearances to date for the French side, helping them to their incredible Ligue 1 title success last term.
Read our Football news live blog for the very latest rumours, gossip and done deals
