Newcastle want a decision from Sven Botman, and they want it now.
That’s the word coming out of Italy. According to Radio Rossonera, the Magpies want the defender to decide on his future immediately, with AC Milan also an option.
However, the report states that Botman is holding out for a move to the Serie A side. Radio Rossonera write that the 22-year-old is ‘doing everything to make this happen’.
The main thing needed for Botman’s Milan dream to come true is an acceptable offer from the Italian side, which has not been forthcoming.
Lille want Botman to join Newcastle
Radio Rossonera add that Lille want their player to leave and join Newcastle. That’s because the Magpies will pay more money.
However, the relationship between the two clubs is reportedly ‘slowly cracking’, which matches up with what has been reported in England.
It was claimed last week that Newcastle had agreed a £30million fee for Botman. However, the Telegraph state that Lille have now moved the goalposts and increased the asking price to £36million.
This has left the Toon decision makers ‘extremely annoyed’. And so they should be.
If Lille are that keen to sell to Newcastle then they shouldn’t have changed their mind about accepting our bid. They’re simply trying to get every last penny out of the Magpies, which is what a lot of clubs have done since the takeover.
Surely Lille should be encouraging a bidding war between the two clubs, rather than demanding more from the only team to reach Botman’s valuation.
There are likely to be more twists and turns in this transfer saga. While the word in Italy is that Botman wants Milan, reports in England state he is open to joining Newcastle.
The truth probably lies somewhere in the middle. If he wasn’t keen on Newcastle then the Magpies wouldn’t be pursuing him so desperately. However, a move to Milan is more appealing.
A conclusion is needed soon, but it doesn’t feel likely to come this week despite previous hope.
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