Newcastle United headlines as Jonathan Woodgate backs 'top player' Botman amid unsung heroes vote

Here are the latest Newcastle United evening headlines on Saturday, June 18.

Jonathan Woodgate has backed Sven Botman to be a ‘top player’ amid intensifying interest from the Magpies. The 22-year-old has been a long-time target of Eddie Howe’s side and could leave Lille for around £30million.

Newcastle face competition from AC Milan for the Dutch centre-back, but with momentum slowing in Italy the club are increasingly confident of landing their man.

“It really would strengthen their defensive line,” said Woodgate. “To be fair, since Eddie Howe and Jason Tindall have come in, they have improved that defensive line.

“The signing of Dan Burn, Trippier and Matt Targett at left-back. They really have improved. And Fabian Schar, who had a really great end to the season. Sven Botman would really up the ante. He’s a really good player. He’s a top player.”

Magpies players have nominated their own unsung heroes from the 2021/2022 season after the club climbed away from relegation and into 11th place.

Speaking to NUFCTV, several of the club’s players have named their own teammates who went under the radar in their contributions to an outstanding second-half of the campaign.

Emil Krafth won several nominations from the likes of Matt Targett, Fabian Schar and Jamaal Lascelles for his cover of Kieran Trippier during the run-in, while Joelinton also won a few picks for his improvement since Howe’s arrival.

Allan Saint-Maximin looks eager for the start of the new season with a collection of videos showing his intense training during time off.

The 25-year-old has posted a series of short videos sprinting on beaches and running up steep hills, much to the delight of Newcastle fans.

Players are due to return for pre-season testing