What Sven Botman and Eddie Howe have been discussing amid Liverpool’s ‘firm interest’ in Newcastle star

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Sven Botman’s long-term future under Eddie Howe at Newcastle United remains unclear.

Botman, at his best, is one of Newcastle United’s elite players, but his form has tailed off in recent weeks.

Furthermore, the Dutchman is out of contract at St James’ Park at the end of next season.

Liverpool have been linked with a move for Botman, who was close friends with a certain Alexander Isak.

Howe wants to keep Botman at Newcastle but the longer he goes without signing a new contract, the more links with a move away from the club will increase.

Now, some insight into what the two have been discussing behind the scenes has emerged.

• READ MORE: Malick Thiaw’s Germany recall shines spotlight on Newcastle United teammate Sven Botman

Eddie Howe and Sven Botman talk about Newcastle United game time

According to The Chronicle, Howe and Botman have in fact held talks behind the scenes at the Newcastle United training ground.

The two held talks about Botman’s minutes in the first team and what it will look like going forward.

While the 25-year-old has been a key player of late, the return of Tino Livramento and Lewis Hall from injury could move Dan Burn back into a central role, increasing the competition for places.

The report also adds that there are suggestions that Liverpool’s interest in Botman is firm.

Sven Botman needs to look at his own form before talking to Eddie Howe

It’s natural that Botman would be concerned over his minutes, even if he has played recently.

With Burn such a key player under Howe and Malick Thiaw impressing in his first season at the club, it would not be much of a surprise to see the Dutchman drop out when Hall and Livramento return.

Still, Botman isn’t playing very well for Newcastle right now. He’s far from alone in that of course but his drop in form has been notable.

It’s all well and good wanting assurances over game time but performances have to warrant it.

In recent weeks, they haven’t.