'Botman only wants Milan', Italian media say player power could deny Newcastle United main target

Newcastle United target Sven Botman is continuing to hold on to see if AC Milan can make him the offer he had his heart set on earlier this year.

A mocked up image of Botman in Milan's famous red and black stripes with a headline of "Botman only wants Milan" featured on the front page of one of Italy's most famous publications today.

In a week in which United hoped to make progress on the signing of the Dutch Under-21 international, Botman's holiday has got under way without any major progress with either club despite Newcastle's attempts to get him around the table and talk terms. And now La Gazzetta dello Sport are claiming that Botman is hanging in there to speak to Milan as they look to get their takeover pushed through and transfer funds in place.

The Magpies have maintained a dignified silence on the Botman deal but there are suggestions of an ultimatum as the Magpies try to get a deal done. Although, as reported by Chronicle Live earlier this week, his club Lille are eager to take Newcastle's higher offer of £46million.

Something will have to give eventually but it is a case of frustration all round for Newcastle fans who are keen to see United land what would be an impressive signing. Eddie Howe does have other targets as back-up but has already lost out on James Tarkowski who is finalising a move to Everton.