Report: Newcastle ‘intensified’ talks on Wednesday, £30m man now wants move

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The Daily Mail have provided an exciting update as Newcastle continue to pursue Lille defender Sven Botman. It is believed that talks between the two clubs ‘intensified’ on Wednesday, and Botman is now keen on a move.

Botman, 21, is regarded one of the best central defenders in European football at his age. It comes after he helped Lille win the Ligue 1 title last season. He helped beat Paris Saint-Germain to the trophy – despite PSG’s riches.

However, Lille’s financial issues are likely to see Botman – who has played 63 times in 18 months at Lille – sold to ease their cash-flow woes. It is believed that Lille are looking for a package in the region of £30million for Botman.

The Mail report on Thursday, that talks between Lille and Newcastle ‘intensified’ over a move for the defender. It is also now apparent that Botman is keen on a move. Newcastle hope his signing will help attract other players.

Botman to Newcastle: Massive signing if Toon can pull it off

The ex-Ajax man is likely to be a player that appears on every big club’s shortlist in Europe. The combination of an extraordinary talent, at 21, combined with Lille selling on the cheap – will surely attract numerous suitors.

But Newcastle are clearly on pole. A move to sign the Dutch defender would be stunning business given the Toon are sitting in the relegation zone – and it would convince others that Newcastle are serious. It could open the floodgates.