Newcastle transfer news: £46m rising star 'giving encouraging signs' over Magpies move

Journalist Pete O’Rourke has suggested that Lille defender Sven Botman could still be interested in a move to Newcastle in the future.

The Premier League outfit were unable to sign Botman in January, but O’Rourke does not necessarily believe that their chances of landing the 6 foot 5 centre-back are over.

Newcastle targeted Botman early on in the transfer window, and it was reported that they had a £30m bid rejected by Lille, who wanted £46m for their prized asset.

The Magpies failed to match this valuation, meaning that Botman ended up remaining at the Ligue 1 club.

However, speaking in an interview at the end of January, the 22-year-old told Ziggo Sport via the Chronicle Live: “Everyone says about Newcastle – it’s all about money.

“But it’s a very nice project, if you look at where Man City and PSG started. I think it would be very nice to be part of that.”

O’Rourke has described Botman’s comments as “interesting”, and feels that these words could persuade Newcastle to make an improved bid for the Dutchman in the summer.

He told GIVEMESPORT: “It’s interesting what Botman said after the window closed. He didn’t rule out a move to Newcastle, so he’s given encouraging signs for Newcastle to come back in for him.”

Newcastle are not the only club interested in signing Botman when the season concludes.

Botman has also spoken of his admiration for AC Milan, who have been linked with him, while Tottenham have also identified the youngster as a potential target.

Milan and Spurs are both well-placed to be able to offer the defender European football next season, which could work against Newcastle, who are scrapping for survival at the moment.

Still, Botman has spoken about the “project” at Newcastle, indicating that he is