Report: £40m man could shun Newcastle advances in favour of Champions League

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According to a report from The Times, Newcastle United could be set for disappointment in their pursuit of Dutch defender, Sven Botman.

The Magpies are keen on signing Botman in January. Botman is seen as the ideal long-term defender for the club after impressing during his time with Lille so far. Lille are said to be open selling Botman, as long as they receive a bid around the £40m mark, according to The Athletic.

However, Newcastle could face disappointment when it comes to Botman. The Times has claimed while Newcastle’s interest in the defender is there, the player himself is unsure. The Magpies are currently 19th in the Premier League, and the threat of relegation is real. Botman, then, it is claimed, could hold out until the summer for a Champions League club.

If that is the case, then Newcastle will need to move on quickly. They simply cannot afford to wait around in January and need players through the door quickly.

Botman, 21, is regarded as one of the best up and coming defenders in Europe. He helped Lille to beat PSG to the French title, and has been watched by both Tottenham and Liverpool previously.

TBR’s View: Botman Perfect For Newcastle But Problems Remain

Despite all their money, Newcastle will find they have this problem a lot in January. Their league position means players are tentative about joining. They don’t want to be playing Championship football in six months.

If Newcastle can get Botman, then it is a statement signing from PIF. He is already at a brilliant level and improves this Newcastle side instantly.

However, it’s a big if. Other clubs will be sniffing and if they get a sense that Botman doesn’t fancy Newcastle, then you can bet clubs will be in his agent’s ear. Eddie Howe, then, will be keeping everything crossed on this one.