Newcastle United are reportedly considering a move for Lille centre-back Sven Botman.
According to The Athletic, the Magpies have made the 21-year-old one of their prime targets.
Botman was a revelation for Lille last season. He helped them to win the Ligue 1 title with the best defensive record.
His stock is high following that first season, and in 2021/22 he started off well before his momentum was disrupted by an injury.
He was out for around two months, and Lille did struggle in the league in his absence.
The Athletic say an ‘exceptional’ offer could tempt Lille to sell given their financial struggles, with a £40 million fee mentioned.
Eddie Howe has supposedly given his backing to a move for Botman.
Newcastle finally secured their first win of the season on Saturday with a 1-0 result against Burnley.
That was their first clean sheet of the season, but there is no doubt Newcastle need a couple of central defenders at least.
Some of the current options are not good enough, with Jamie Carragher recently suggesting the backline was Championship standard.
Sven Botman would be a statement signing from Newcastle
Newcastle going out and signing Sven Botman would be a big deal.
The star is a serious talent at the age of 21, and he’s already been on Liverpool’s radar.
6ft 4in Botman would add some much-needed height to the backline and the fact he is a title winner is good and would suggest a strong mentality.
He’s been described previously as a ‘machine’ by former Premier League defender Jose Fonte, which is definitely exciting.
Without a doubt, Newcastle getting Botman in would be a statement of intent.
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