Lee Ryder: Newcastle expect to hold talks with ‘golden boy's’ representatives this summer

Newcastle United remain interested in signing Lille defender Sven Botman, despite growing talk over an AC Milan move, reports Chronicle Live.

The 22-year-old was at the centre of a heavy transfer saga involving the Magpies in January. After extensive negotiations, the North East club failed to secure the Dutchman as he became increasingly wary of the move, with Newcastle at the time facing a serious risk of Premier League relegation.

As a result, the Tyneside outfit moved their attention elsewhere, and ended up signing Dan Burn from Brighton on deadline day, who has since started 15 top flight games.

According to a report by the Chronicle’s Lee Ryder, Botman has been included on a list of centre-backs that Newcastle will push for in the summer.

The Lille defender is strongly linked with a move to Milan, whilst other rumours have recently emerged linking the Netherlands U21 international with a switch to Manchester United, following the announcement of Erik ten Hag as manager.

However, the Magpies believe they will get another opportunity to hold talks with Botman’s agent.

As a result, Eddie Howe will wait to make a decision on signing James Tarkowski, with the belief that signing the 6 foot 4 Dutchman remains a possibility.

The report claims that Milan have been informing Italian journalists that they are set to win the battle for Botman at €30million.

However, with Newcastle’s insistence to re-open talks with the player’s agent, this suggests otherwise.

Described as a ‘golden boy’ by Francesco Miniero, it is clear to see why the Magpies are so intent on signing Botman, who already has a Ligue 1 winners medal at such a young age.

With such high praise from across Europe, this won’t be an easy signing to make in the