Sven Botman has been speaking about his future and interest from Newcastle United, with the player staying at Lille until the end of the season.
The central defender was the subject of heavy speculation this month.
The 21-year-old was reported to be a priority target for Newcastle at the start of January.
But the Magpies just couldn’t agree on a transfer fee with Lille in the end.
The club moved onto other targets, and it is looking highly like that Dan Burn will be the only centre-back coming in.
Lille retaining Botman is excellent news for them.
But he might not be sticking around for another season with the club if the star’s latest comments are anything to go by.
He told Ziggo Sport: “For the time being, I’m in a good position at Lille. I assume that I will make a nice step next summer. You never know in football. This time both Newcastle and Milan were very concrete. Both clubs have their positive points.
“Newcastle is working on a great project and I thought it would be fun to be part of it. Especially when you look at where Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain once started.”
Newcastle have got to try again for Sven Botman in the summer if the club survives relegation
Newcastle have surely got to make another move for Botman in the summer if the club retains its Premier League status.
From these comments, it sounds very much as though a summer exit from Lille is on the cards for him.
He seems to be quite interested in Newcastle, and his words do come after many reports claimed he was open to joining.
Newcastle were unable to land him this time.
But the club have surely got to take heart from these comments and make a fresh attempt to sign him in the summer. Crucial to that though, will obviously be staying in the Premier League. There is no chance a player of Botman’s quality and potential will play in the Championship.
Receive a digest of our best Newcastle content each week direct to your mailbox
