Newcastle transfer news: Reporter provides update on Sven Botman move

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Newcastle have so far tried and failed to sign Sven Botman.

The Telegraph claim that there was talk of a £30million move for the Dutch defender. However, Lille have reportedly rejected Newcastle’s advances.

Botman is the Magpies’ top defensive target, but a deal will be incredibly tricky. The 21-year-old is one of the best young defenders in Europe, and is also a target for AC Milan.

His current side Lille made it to the next round of the Champions League, which has further influenced their desire to keep Botman. Then again, that hasn’t stopped Newcastle snapping up Kieran Trippier from Atletico Madrid…

There has been talk that Botman could cost as much as £60million, which would make him a club record signing. But what is the current state of play with Newcastle’s bid for the Dutchman?

Waugh admits Newcastle’s Botman move is on hold…for now

Speaking on the latest episode of the Athletic’s Pod On The Tyne, reporter Chris Waugh provided an update on Newcastle’s interest in Botman.

“As things stand, Lille are sort of holding firm on this one and Newcastle, he is Newcastle’s top target as a centre-back, I think they’re going to park that one for a little bit and maybe come back to it later in the window,” Waugh said.

“But for now I think they’re going to try move on to other targets.”

Newcastle right to play the waiting game over Sven Botman

Newcastle’s need for a centre-back is immediate. Realistically, we need two this month.

Therefore, we can’t afford to waste time haggling over a deal which may or may not happen. If Lille don’t want to sell, that’s their prerogative.

But in the meantime we must move on and secure another central defender. January is a crucial month, and we must move quickly to secure our top targets.

For now, Lille don’t want to do business. But things can always change in football. That’s why it’s right for Newcastle to potentially revisit this deal later in the window, ideally after we’ve already signed one centre-back.

Botman can be the present and the future for the Magpies, but he isn’t our only target. We’ve been linked with plenty of other defenders who are just as exciting.

He’s a player we must move for again later in the month, but this initial setback is nothing to worry about. Sadly, there will be setbacks – it’s just the nature of the market. However, it doesn’t necessarily mean it is the end of our Botman pursuit.