Journalist: Newcastle ‘still trying’ to lure ‘exciting’ 6 ft 5 giant to SJP; priority for Howe

Newcastle United are still trying to sign Lille defender Sven Botman this summer after failing to do so in the January window, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke.

During the winter, the Magpies were reported with a keen interest in the 22-year-old.

According to the Daily Mail, the Tyneside club had offers around the £32m mark rejected by the Ligue 1 side in January.

It was also claimed that the player preferred to assess his options at the end of the season, rather than making the move midway through the campaign.

O’Rourke believes that Botman remains very high up on Newcastle’s wish list and that PIF are continuing to negotiate for the defender.

Speaking with GiveMeSport, he claimed: “They tried really hard in January to get him but just couldn’t get that deal done. I don’t think the interest has gone away, it’s still a position Eddie Howe wants to improve on this summer and bring in a new centre-back. So if they can land a Sven Botman who has been very high up their list of targets, it would be a great signing for Newcastle.

“There’s fierce competition from the likes of Milan for the Dutchman as well, so it’s going to be a hard one to do, but Newcastle are in there and still trying to do it. They will be hoping to lure him to St James’ Park.”

Journalist Jacque Talbot believes that any potential deal involving the Netherlands under-21 international will be difficult for Newcastle to pull off, describing the Lille defender as “probably one of the most exciting centre-backs in European football at the moment”.

Nonetheless, the Tynesiders will surely be doing all they can to try and lure the youngster to St James’ Park this summer. Standing at 6 foot 5 in height, Botman is an imposing centre-back who could strike a