Newcastle United note book: Milan's back-up Botman plan, Academy shake-up and two keepers linked

AC Milan are giving themselves a back-up plan in the event they don't land funding from the Serie A club's takeover consortium in time to snatch Sven Botman.

Botman's representatives are understood to have expected a concrete offer from Milan by now but the Italian champions have pleaded for more time for US private equity firm RedBird Capital Partners to complete their acquisition of 70% of the club. But with technical director Paolo Maldini realistic about how long they can keep Botman waiting, another target is being lined up.

And it will be a name that is familiar to Newcastle fans in Gleison Bremer - the top notch centre-back that was linked with United last January. Torino star Bremer won Serie A's top defender award this season and is no stranger to transfer links.

Indeed, Chelsea and Leicester City, along with Newcastle, have checked out the Brazilian in recent seasons. But with Bremer available for what many see as something of a snip at €25million, Milan are keeping a close eye on the South American star.

The only surprise this summer in Serie A is there isn't more interest in the 25-year-old. After all his defensive statistics were absolutely superb last season.

The other factor in the Botman saga is the fact that Lille, while they don't want to lose the Dutchman, also want answers so they can get on with finding a replacement.

The sporting director met with Academy manager Steve Harper on Thursday as his review of the club's youth system got under way. The club's Under-18 side suffered a torrid campaign with Neil Winskill and Peter Ramage's side finishing rock bottom of the table suffering a 13-0 defeat against Man City and a 6-0 loss to Man United along the way.

The sorry season was rounded off with a 5-0