Newcastle United headlines as Magpies and Milan continue battle for Botman

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Newcastle United and AC Milan are still duking it out to sign defender Sven Botman from Lille. With the Serie A club still awaiting confirmation of a takeover though, it is Newcastle whose confidence is increasing.

Chronicle Live understands that Lille's asking price of around €30million has been agreed by the Magpies. Milan meanwhile have a verbal agreement in place with Botman but can't cough up the fee until the club's purchase by US private equity firm RedBird Capital Partners is confirmed.

Botman's representatives briefed the Dutch media last night and indicated that neither Newcastle or Milan had won the race for his services. Botman has already said goodbye to Lille and is currently on international duty.

Newcastle United made front page news in Italy today after being linked with AS Roma skipper Lorenzo Pellegrini.

The Italy international is in form this summer after scoring goals in his country's UEFA Nations League campaign against Hungary and Germany. And the man who lifted the Europa Conference League trophy with Roma woke up to his name in headlines on Corriere dello Sport.

An offer of £50million was being touted by the Italian media today but Newcastle have not responded to reports at this stage. The publication suggests the offer was turned down by Jose Mourinho's side.

The 25-year-old midfielder struck 14 times in 41 matches for Roma last season and made eight assists. He is due to face England in Wolverhampton on Saturday night in the Nations League.

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Isaac Hayden had a message for fans after his six-year stint at Newcastle United ended with a loan deal to Norwich City.

The 27-year-old told Chronicle Live: "There's been times where it