Newcastle United’s luck could be in with Sven Botman, with a report claiming he now wants to join the club.
The Daily Mail claim Newcastle have now ramped up talks with Lille over the Dutch centre-back.
The 21-year-old has apparently shown a willingness to come, but it depends whether Lille will let him depart mid-season.
The defending Ligue 1 champions have made an iffy start in the league this season and currently sit eighth.
It is stated Eddie Howe wants a young, dominant central defender who is confident on the ball. And Botman seems to fit the bill.
Botman is understood to be keen to come, with talks having intensified on Wednesday.
Newcastle think that his signing would then pave the way for others to follow suit.
Of course, at the moment, Newcastle’s position in the Premier League table is far from ideal.
The club are second-bottom right now, and have the joint-worst defensive record in the division.
Burnley have played four games fewer than the Magpies, and 17th-placed Watford have played two fewer.
It remains to be seen if Newcastle can get a deal for Botman over the line. Lille value their asset at around £30 million.
Good news for Newcastle as Sven Botman reportedly wants to join
This is the first we’ve heard on the player’s stance on the proposed move.
It is good to hear that Botman is keen to join.
Things are far from ideal right now, and top players could not be blamed for not wanting to move to St. James’ just at the moment.
No one wants to be relegated, but unfortunately there is a chance that could happen this season.
But Botman seems like he may be up for the fight, and hopefully Newcastle can seal the deal and he can come in and make an immediate impact.
Fabrizio Romano claimed recently that Botman was top of Newcastle’s list ahead of January. The club securing a player they really want would be excellent.
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