Amanda Staveley wants Newcastle to make up for lost time with Sven Botman.
The 22-year-old was a big target for the Magpies in January, but Lille’s demands proved too costly. They eventually set their asking price at £46million, which was simply too much for the new Toon owners.
Newcastle went elsewhere, but their interest in Botman never wavered.
Eddie Howe’s side are back in for the Dutchman this summer, battling with AC Milan to land the coveted centre-back.
The pursuit is proving to be difficult, and, as it stands, Botman is yet to leave Lille. It’s been reported that he only wants to join Milan, that Lille have reportedly increased their asking price, that he does fancy a Newcastle move, and that Newcastle aren’t happy with Lille.
It’s a multi-layered transfer saga that needs to reach a conclusion sooner rather than later.
Eddie Howe isn’t the only person who wants Botman at Newcastle
Botman is Newcastle’s number one defensive target. That’s why the club decided against a fresh move for Aston Villa bound Diego Carlos.
Howe is very keen on him, and so is Amanda Staveley. The Chronicle report that she wants to complete a deal this summer after failing to do so in January.
The Toon owner has actually spoke about the Magpies’ Botman bid in the past.
She told the Athletic in February: “Some desperately wanted to come to us, like Sven (Botman), who still does very much and has talked very openly about that.”
Fast forward almost four months and Botman still isn’t a Newcastle player. But he isn’t a Milan player either.
It was claimed in Italy that the centre-back had turned down the Magpies once again because he only wants to join Stefano Pioli’s side. However, that doesn’t appear to be the case.
The Chronicle state that Newcastle have a backup plan if the Botman bid totally breaks down, but they won’t activate it until he outright says he doesn’t want to move to St James’ Park. That reportedly hasn’t happened yet.
There is still time for Staveley to get the defender she wants. Fingers crossed it happens.
Receive a digest of our best Newcastle content each week direct to your mailbox
