Newcastle United are battling AC Milan to sign Sven Botman this summer.
In an ideal world, Botman would already be a Magpie. It looked like he was going to join the club in January, only for Lille to hold their nerve.
They eventually set their asking price at £46million, which was deemed too much for Newcastle. However, the defender was desperate to become a Toon player. That’s according to Amanda Staveley, at least.
Newcastle looked elsewhere and brought in Dan Burn, while Botman continued in France with eyes on a summer move.
However, it looked like that summer move would be to Milan instead. There were even claims that a deal was basically done.
That has proven not to be the case, and now Eddie Howe’s side are back in the mix.
The Northern Echo reported last week that Newcastle are confident they can bring Botman to St James’ Park this summer. However, they’re not the only club that’s confident.
AC Milan still think they can complete deal to sign Sven Botman
While there’s confidence in the North East, the feeling is apparently mutual in the fashion capital of the world.
According to the Chronicle, AC Milan still think they can get a deal done to bring the 22-year-old to Italy. However, they are in the middle of a takeover saga that makes a transfer uncertain right now.
Milan could be on the brink of receiving huge American investment, meaning they would have no problems paying whatever Lille want for Botman.
But while Milan wait, Newcastle have the resources right now. Moving fast might be our best shot at getting this deal done.
It would be an exceptional signing if we can pull it off. Botman could become a star at St James’ Park, and his age means he could be here for a long time.
But beating Milan will be difficult. They are the Serie A champions and will be playing in the Champions League next season. While Newcastle’s owners have lofty ambitions, they aren’t at that level just yet.
Two teams are confident of signing him, but one team’s confidence is clearly misplaced. Who that is remains to be seen.
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