Newcastle ready to move for top Ligue 1 star, pipping AC Milan to the post
Newcastle United are reportedly ‘ready to move right away’ in order to land centre-back Sven Botman, who won Ligue 1 with Lille last season.
Botman has been on the radar of a number of Premier League sides in the past. Indeed, Manchester United and Liverpool were interested in the summer.
Botman played a crucial role in Lille’s title-winning campaign in Ligue 1 last season. The 21-year-old played 90 minutes in 35 of Lille’s 38 fixtures last season, conceding only 23 goals the entire campaign.
Indeed, at 6ft 4in, Botman is an imposing centre-back. What’s more, his tremendous defensive capabilities would stand him in good stead in the Premier League.
Calciomercato reports that Newcastle are ‘ready to move right away’ in order to bring Botman to England. Indeed, Newcastle have conceded the joint-most goals in the Premier League this season, and Botman would go a long way in reversing that trend.
However, the Magpies face competition from AC Milan for the Duthcman.
Botman is reportedly a ‘favourite target’ of Serie A high-flyers Milan. The Rossoneri are looking to replace Simon Kjaer, who will be out for an extended period.
Despite the competition from Milan, Newcastle look to be the favourites in the race for Botman.
Lille would prefer the outright sale of Botman, rather than a loan, which seems to be the most likely course of acton for Milan.
Indeed, Newcastle’s vast riches, and willingness to move for a player they admire so much, likely places them in the box seat.
Botman and Trippier likely signings
Kieran Trippier is another player Newcastle have been tracking for some time. A recent report states that they are finally closing in on a deal for the former Tottenham right-back.
The Magpies are confident that they will pull off a number of deals in January.
The deal for Trippier is said to be the ‘most advanced, at this stage.
The £31million price tag looks to be a hefty one for a 31-year-old. However, having an England international in the side will surely help Newcastle’s bid to climb the table.
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