“I’m told”: Luke Edwards drops transfer update that’ll have Newcastle fans fuming - opinion

Newcastle United journalist Luke Edwards has dropped a transfer update regarding the Tyneside club’s interest in signing Lille defender Sven Botman.

In a recent post on Twitter, the journalist said on the matter: “Transfer window opened today [sic] and on Sven Botman – there are reports saying he’s definitely on way to #nufc as AC Milan have given up and others saying he’s definitely on his way to AC Milan as he doesn’t want to go to Newcastle.

“All I’m told at moment is ‘nothing imminent.’ “

Having played his way through Ajax’s youth ranks, the centre-back moved to Lille in the summer of 2020. The Dutchman has gone on to make 79 appearances for the French club across all competitions, scoring three times in the process.

To highlight his defensive talent, throughout his two seasons with Lille, the £27m-rated centre-back has racked up a total of 55 successful tackles, 100 blocks, 76 interceptions and 313 clearances in Ligue 1.

His overall performances in 2021/22 earned him a solid seasonal rating of 6.83/10 according to WhoScored, making him the third-highest rated player at the club.

With all this in mind, it’s easy to see why the Magpies are looking to bring the former Ajax starlet to St James’ Park this summer, as the player definitely seems to have what it takes to be a useful defensive figure for Eddie Howe’s side in the Premier League.

Taking into account how the Botman to Newcastle saga has been going on since the January transfer window, it’s safe to suggest that some Toon supporters could be getting frustrated with the situation; and Edwards’ suggestion that it could still go on for some time may have some fans downright fuming.

Moving forward, the best thing Newcastle could do would be to get this deal wrapped