Report: £35m target has 'bewitched' Newcastle chairman; rival suitor dropping interest because of Magpies
Newcastle United seem to be making good progress towards the potential signing of Sven Botman.
Tuttomercatoweb reported earlier this week that the Magpies had agreed a £35million fee with Lille for their defender.
Admittedly, that report claimed Botman isn’t convinced about joining Newcastle.
However, a different report – The Express – claims he’s ‘open-minded’ about a move to St James’ Park.
Now, Italian outlet Calciomercato.it – via Sport Witness – has reported on how AC Milan are moving away from Botman due to Newcastle’s pursuit.
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They claim the situation forming around Botman is ‘not easy for Milan’. This is because ‘Newcastle continues to push hard’ for the player.
The Serie A winners reportedly made an offer to Lille. However, it seems like they are unable to compete financially with the Magpies.
In order to convince Botman, Newcastle could offer him a ‘rich contract’.
And the Magpies are reportedly prepared to break the €40m (£34m) barrier. Something they’ve already done, according to the Tuttomercatoweb report.
The Calciomercato.it article adds: ‘The Dutchman has literally bewitched the president of the Magpies and is proving it to the sound of millions on the table.
‘The feeling is that the money coming from the Premier League, in the end, could make a difference.’
As well as Milan, Newcastle may have to contend with Arsenal for Botman’s signature.
La Repubblica claimed earlier this week that the Gunners made an enquiry about the Dutchman.
