Newcastle United target Sven Botman's 'preferred destination' emerges as Premier League duo linked

Reports in Italy suggest Newcastle United target Sven Botman still intends to join AC Milan this summer. It was widely expected that the Lille centre-back - who was the Magpies’ number one target in January - would join the Serie A champions and a deal was near completion.

However, Milan sporting director and club icon Paolo Maldini offered Toon fans hope with his vague answer to La Gazzetta dello Sport last week. When asked about Botman, he said: “We followed him, but there are many good players in that role.”

In February, Amanda Staveley name-checked the 22-year-old in an interview with The Athletic, insisting he “desperately” wants to join the Saudi-backed revolution on Tyneside. Conflicting reports on the continent appear to suggest otherwise as Italian journalist Daniele Logo claims Botman’s heart is set on a move to Milan.

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In a tweet, the reporter also revealed two other Premier League clubs are tracking the defender, who won the Ligue 1 title with Lille last year. Aston Villa are believed to be showing interest as Steven Gerrard prepares to overhaul his playing squad in his first summer transfer window.

Further details include Botman verbally agreeing to a £3million-a-year deal to join the San Siro club. Wages are no longer an issue for Newcastle but Longo remains confident that the Dutchman is keen to honour his promise and described next week as “decisive” in the ongoing saga.