Newcastle transfer news: Sven Botman move close as part of double deal, as latest bid falls just short

Newcastle are reportedly closing in on the signing of Sven Botman, with their latest bid coming just short of Lille’s fee for the centre-back.

The Magpies are once again chasing the Dutchman after failing to sign him in January. Eddie Howe’s side tried to sign the defender at the start of 2022, but eventually settled on Brighton’s Dan Burn.

Since then, though, Botman has not kept quiet on his future. Instead, he has said he is aware of the Newcastle and AC Milan interest in him and wants a move sorted by the start of pre-season.

And according to the Daily Mail, Newcastle are now close to winning the race for Botman.

The Magpies have offered £32million for the centre-back but are hopeful of striking an agreement soon.

Indeed, Lille want £34million so the two clubs are not too far apart in their valuations of the player.

Newcastle sporting director Dan Ashworth watched Botman in action for Netherlands’ Under-21s as they beat Wales 1-0 on Saturday.

The Daily Mail adds that Newcastle made bids of around £32million for Botman in January. However, the player wanted to wait until the summer transfer window to move on.

As well as Botman, the newspaper claims that Newcastle are looking to finalise a deal for Reims striker Hugo Ekitike.

The latest report comes after AC Milan looked to be closing in on Botman and then retreating. The Serie A side in fact felt confident of landing the defender until Newcastle revived their interest.

Manchester United have also had links with a move for Botman, but it is Newcastle who look to be winning the race.

Newcastle are looking to bolster their back line as they look to go from where they left off last season.

The Magpies recovered from a relegation threat to achieve an 11th-placed finish.

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