Newcastle: 'Deciding factor' in Sven Botman transfer race

Newcastle United could miss out on welcoming long-term target Sven Botman to St James’ Park because fellow suitors AC Milan are expected to be able to offer Champions League football, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke.

The Magpies remain keen on sealing a deal for the Lille central defender but AC Milan are currently top of the Serie A standings and, as it stands, are set to book a place in European football’s elite club competition for next season.

Botman appears to be open to joining Newcastle when the summer transfer window opens for business as he told Ziggo Sport, via the Daily Star, he feels the Magpies boast a ‘very nice project’ but also admitted AC Milan are ‘a beautiful club’.

It comes after the Tynesiders became the richest club in world football thanks to the Saudi Arabia-based Public Investment Fund leading a £305million takeover last October.

Co-owner Amanda Staveley has revealed a deal for Botman could come to fruition at the end of the season as she claimed the 6 ft 5 central defender ‘desperately wanted to come’ to St James’ Park in January and still ‘very much’ does.

Newcastle failed to tie up the transfer despite holding discussions over a £30million switch with Lille during the winter transfer window.

The Magpies are not the only Premier League club coveting Botman’s services as he is understood to be on Tottenham Hotspur’s wishlist heading into the summer.

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O’Rourke is expecting Newcastle to be left frustrated in their attempts to seal a deal for Botman.

The journalist feels AC Milan are in pole position to win the race for the nine-cap Netherlands under-21s international.

O’Rourke told GIVEMESPORT: “Milan are a