Newcastle make 'verbal approach' for £34.5m target at St James' Park

Newcastle United have made a ‘verbal approach’ for LOSC Lille defender Sven Botman, according to Daily Express journalist Ryan Taylor.

Botman has been linked with a move to St. James’ Park for several months now, but it seems as though he is edging ever closer to joining Eddie Howe’s revolution.

The Magpies first made an approach for the 22-year-old in January, only to be resolutely informed by his current club that he was not for sale at the midway point in the campaign.

However, Newcastle have revived their interest in Botman this summer, and are now involved in an intense tussle with Serie A champions AC Milan for his signature.

According to the Daily Mail’s North-East football correspondent Craig Hope, Lille want €40 million (£34.5m) for their prized asset, although a deal has still not been agreed upon between the two clubs.

Meanwhile, a recent report in The Athletic states that Tottenham Hotspur have ‘been monitoring’ Botman’s situation, and 90min claim Paris Saint-Germain have now also entered the race for the centre-back.

The added competition will only intensify Newcastle’s desires to get this deal wrapped up as quickly as possible, yet that has proved extremely difficult so far.  

Newcastle have also been involved in a lengthy transfer saga with Stade Reims striker Hugo Ekitike, who chose not to join the club in the winter window.

Barca agree De Jong transfer!? Hear more on The Football Terrace…

And when asked if there could be movement on either deal this week, Taylor informed GiveMeSport that progress on the Botman deal was more likely.

He told GMS: “I think Botman definitely. From what I understand, Newcastle have offered upwards of £30 million with a verbal approach that they’d be willing to pay that kind