Newcastle United supremo Dan Ashworth's crucial week as Sven Botman saga approaching conclusion

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Latest on Newcastle United's interest in Sven Botman

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Newcastle United sporting director Dan Ashworth will start his second week aiming to get clarification on exactly where things stand with Sven Botman and his representatives.

The Toon supremo was in the stands in Llanelli as Wales were beaten 1-0 by their Holland Under-21 counterparts with Botman playing 45 minutes, although Ashworth's son was also on the bench for the encounter suggesting it wasn't solely a scouting mission. Nevertheless, Ashworth's presence was noted as a good sign by Newcastle fans.

United certainly have an offer ready for Botman - believed to be around £46million - but the Magpies are eager for more dialogue with his representatives who now hold the key to his deal being done or Newcastle moving on. Indeed, after AC Milan briefed the Italian media they had effectively "left the room" on talks after Newcastle raised the stakes financially, Ashworth must learn whether they have genuinely withdrawn their interest or not.

Ideally, Newcastle want to get the deal done in good time and before the squad's return for pre-season training on July 1. And as far as Lille star Botman is concerned he told his agent last week he was keen for his future to be sorted one way or another before he