Dutch legend Jaap Stam thinks Newcastle United target Sven Botman 'will become one of the best'

Sven Botman is back on Newcastle United's radar after the Magpies reignited their interest in the Dutch defender. Originally pursued back in January, Botman was a key target for the then-new Newcastle ownership.

However, Botman's club Lille played hardball in the transfer window, with the two sides unable to come to any agreement. This left Newcastle to look elsewhere as they signed Dan Burn from Brighton & Hove Albion.

Now that the Magpies will definitely be playing Premier League football next season, they will almost certainly be involved in the conversation for the Dutchman's signature. Botman is left-footed defender will all the attributes to take him to the top. The 22-year-old has already been strongly linked with AC Milan as well following their Serie A title-winning campaign.

ChronicleLive has profiled what teammates, coaches and former players have had to say about Botman and what he might bring to St James' Park.

If there's one man who knows defenders, it's former Dutch international Jaap Stam. Considered to be one of the best defenders of his generation, Stam played at the highest level for over a decade.

A trophy-laden career saw him win multiple Premier League titles with Manchester United as well as the Champions League. And Stam believes Botman could be one of the best defenders in Europe when all is said and done.

Speaking to Italian daily Gazzetta dello Sport, Stam said: "Whoever takes Sven is set for years, he will become one of the best centre-backs in Europe."

Former Lille manager Christophe Galtier was at the helm when Botman and company won the Ligue 1 title in the 2020/21 season.

Lille lost just three games that season, pipping PSG to the title by a single point. Botman played nearly every single