Newcastle and West Ham boost: Milan struggling to agree £25m fee for defender

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TuttoMercatoWeb might have just handed Newcastle and West Ham a boost in their pursuit of Sven Botman. That is, because they report AC Milan want him on a loan-to-buy deal – but Lille only want to sell him permanently.

Botman, 21, has been excellent for Lille since he joined the French side in the summer of 2020. A bargain £8million signing from Ajax, the Netherlands star has since clocked up 63 appearances for Lille over the last 18 months.

He was crucial in helping Lille win the Ligue 1 title last season, beating PSG to his signature. But the French club are open to his exit in the coming weeks – largely because of their tricky financial position, like many Ligue 1 sides.

The report claims Lille want the cash up front for Botman, with a fee of £25million likely to be accepted. But Milan only want to offer a loan-to-buy deal. The Athletic say Eddie Howe has made him a ‘priority’ at Newcastle.

Football website 90Min claim West Ham and Leicester have also made enquiries to sign Botman in the January window. The defender has a contract at Lille until the summer of 2025.

Newcastle and West Ham eye Botman boost: £25m is a no-brainer

If Botman can be bought for £25million, then most clubs in the Premier League should be interested – more than just West Ham and Newcastle. A move to Milan might have been tempting for Botman.

So, for Milan to be unwilling to buy him permanently in January, might just see West Ham and Newcastle spring into action. If he is available for £25million, then Botman would be a brilliant bit of business.