Newcastle: PIF could move for £40m Botman alternative at St James' Park

Newcastle United target Benoit Badiashile will be ‘the one through the door’ if their bid to land Sven Botman fails, according to journalist Jacque Talbot.

The Magpies are expected to strengthen at centre-back this summer but appear to have reached an impasse in negotiations with LOSC Lille for Botman at this moment in time.

French outlet L’Equipe revealed Newcastle had a £33 million bid rejected for Badiashile during the January transfer window before they eventually signed Dan Burn from Brighton.

However, the Magpies clearly remain in the market for defensive reinforcements and are stuck in protracted talks with Lille over the services of the highly-rated Botman.

L’Equipe (via Get French Football News) have recently stated that Newcastle remain interested in Badiashile, though, who is expected to cost any potential suitor around £40m.

The talented 21-year-old has previously admitted that he ‘dreams’ about playing in the Premier League, potentially providing a boost to Eddie Howe’s charges.

“I had some contact with English clubs (in January), but this was just informal contact,” Badiashile told Goal France. “For me, the Premier League is the best league. So, naturally, I dream about it.”

Talbot believes Badiashile is Newcastle’s second-choice centre-back signing behind Botman and could land at St. James’ Park if the proposed deal for the Dutch international collapses.

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

In an interview with GiveMeSport, he said: “He’s someone they took a look at in January, and it was quite heavily reported. I think if this Botman bid fails, I think he’d be the one through the door.

“He’d be the one they go for; he was heavily linked in January. He’s again, young, Ligue 1,