The key players involved in Newcastle United’s pursuit of Lille defender Sven Botman

Sven Botman has become a household name in the Northeast already this summer, with Newcastle United hot on the heels of the Dutch defender. They are not the only ones eyeing the Lille man, however, with AC Milan and Paris Saint-Germain also keen on a deal for the 22-year-old.

Newcastle themselves are said to be in pole position for a move, but officials in Milan are still edging for a deal and are thought to be the player’s preferred destination. PSG, meanwhile, hold just a fleeting interest and are further back in line.

Any move is likely to be complicated, with so many moving parts and people involved from all sides, and the transfer saga is likely to be dragged out. With that in mind, ChronicleLive have outlined all the key players involved in the Magpies pursuit of Sven Botman.

Newcastle’s sporting director has been thrown in at the deep end after officially joining the club at the start of June. Ashworth will be the main point of contact between the club and Lille, negotiating fees and organising everything behind the scenes.

He was in Wales last Sunday to watch Botman as the defender featured for the Netherlands under-21 side in their win over Wales under-21s. And should Lille accept a Newcastle bid, then Ashworth will begin discussions with the player and his agent.

The Milan and Italy legend is Ashworth’s opposite number and, despite his side’s financial inferiority to the Magpies, Maldini remains hopeful that he can land his number one target. Reports have said that Botman made a ‘promise’ to Maldini that he will join the Serie A champions this summer, but they need to match Newcastle’s bid if Lille are to listen.

Tensions are rising at the San Siro after the club look likely to lose out on another Lille player