Newcastle United will rekindle their interest in Lille defender Sven Botman if his proposed move to AC Milan collapses, according to journalist Jacque Talbot.
The 22-year-old had been expected to move to the new Serie A champions this summer, but the move has stalled in recent weeks as RedBird Capital Partners attempt to finalise a takeover of the Italian giants.
What is the latest news involving Botman?
According to The Telegraph, a fee in the region of £30 million had been discussed between Newcastle and Lille in January before the French outfit decided not to sell Botman.
Les Dogues were set to face Chelsea in the last-16 of the Champions League and were determined to keep hold of their prized asset for that crucial knockout encounter.
Sky Sports then claimed that the Magpies were unwilling to match Botman’s £36m price tag, and he ended up staying put in Lille for the remainder of the campaign.
The Dutch international seemed destined to sign for Milan when the market reopens in just over a week’s time, though, but their drawn-out ownership issues have thrown that prospect into doubt.
And a recent report by The Telegraph stated that Newcastle are ‘back in the running’ for Botman as he continues to be left in the lurch over his switch to the Rossoneri.
What has Talbot said about Botman?
When asked if Newcastle could take a look at Botman again if he came back on the market, Talbot told GiveMeSport that he expects that to be the case.
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He said to GMS: “I'm told that that will be the case. I think with AC Milan, it sort of depends on the takeover that's going on there.
“And I think Sven Botman’s probably one of the most exciting centre-backs in European football at the moment, and I think a lot of clubs will have a look at him rather than just AC Milan and Newcastle.”
Do Newcastle need Botman?
Newcastle manager Eddie Howe strengthened his centre-back options in the winter despite failing to lure Botman to the club, bringing in Dan Burn from Brighton instead.
The 6 foot 7 ace proved to be an instant success, helping the St. James’ Park outfit keep six clean sheets in his 16 Premier League games for the club.
Nevertheless, Botman has established himself as one of Europe’s most promising young defenders in recent years and was heralded as a “leader” by former boss Christophe Galtier.