Report: Newcastle hierarchy left frustrated by Lille in Sven Botman pursuit

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It looks like Newcastle United’s pursuit of Sven Botman is ending in disappointment.

The Magpies have been linked with the defender since late last year, and the early stages of the January transfer window proved how desperate we were to land him.

Newcastle had a bid rejected by Lille, then returned with an improved offer for the Dutchman.

However, it has now been reported by the Athletic that the Ligue 1 side will not sell Botman this month.

It means Newcastle will have to look elsewhere for a centre-back, in a month where we’re hoping to add two to our squad.

It’s immensely frustrating for the Magpies, who reportedly want at least one central defender before Saturday’s game against Watford – as well as a new striker.

With the clock ticking, it feels very unlikely that both will arrive in time for the clash with the Hornets.

Botman could have been the one for Newcastle, but Lille’s decision has left the fans and the owners very disappointed.

Newcastle owners reportedly felt they’d met Lille’s demands for Sven Botman

According to Newcastle World, the Magpies’ decision makers have been left frustrated by the Ligue 1 champions. The report claims that Newcastle’s hierarchy feel they had ‘satisfied the demands’ of Lille on a number of occasions.

In the end, Lille’s desire to retain their star defender has won them this transfer battle. They held all the aces, and proved why it is so difficult to do business midway through the season.

Lille are still in the Champions League, so selling one their best players without possibly being able to replace him would be a huge risk.

If they were so determined to keep Botman, it’s unclear why the saga went on for so long. But alas, Newcastle will need to look elsewhere for a centre-back.

Benoit Badiashile has been linked, but his injury complicates matters.

Amid the frustration, Amanda Staveley and co are getting a crash course on the perils of the January transfer window.

Of course, this wouldn’t have been necessary if Mike Ashley had ran the club properly before, or the Premier League had passed the takeover sooner. Instead, we must play the hand we’re dealt, and the pressure is on the new owners to deliver.