Newcastle are still trying to sign Lille defender Sven Botman, who remains very high up on their list of transfer targets according to journalist Pete O'Rourke.

What is the latest news involving Sven Botman?

Reports back in the January transfer window suggested that Eddie Howe's side were very keen on luring the Netherlands international away from Ligue 1, but a deal failed to materialise before the deadline, with the Magpies instead settling with just the one new centre-back signing of Dan Burn.

Now, it's been claimed the Tyneside club remain very much interested in the 6 foot 5 titan, and the indications are that he features prominently on their shortlist.

What did O'Rourke say about Newcastle's pursuit of Botman?

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, O'Rourke claimed that Botman remains someone who is very much high up on the list of targets at St James' Park, and that the Magpies are continuing to pursue a move for the centre-back.

He said: "They tried really hard in January to get him but just couldn't get that deal done. I don't think the interest has gone away, it's still a position Eddie Howe wants to improve on this summer and bring in a new centre-back. So if they can land a Sven Botman who has been very high up their list of targets, it would be a great signing for Newcastle.

"There's fierce competition from the likes of Milan for the Dutchman as well, so it's going to be a hard one to do, but Newcastle are in there and still trying to do it. They will be hoping to lure him to St James' Park."

Botman could lead Newcastle's new-look defence

The £34m-rated star could emerge as the cornerstone of this Newcastle defence alongside Dan Burn next season in the Premier League under Howe, giving the Magpies a centre-back who has experienced European football with Lille but still with plenty of room to grow and develop.

The director of the Dutchman's agency in Italy, Francesco Miniero, waxed lyrical about him, saying: "When I saw him in Holland, I saw that the difference with the peers was very noticeable, I was shocked. Sven is a Golden Boy.

"I happen to work with many young people and at this age they often don't feel ready, while he has also shown extraordinary courage, every time I see him play, I see continuous improvements."

As per Sofascore, Botman boasted an impressive 66% dual success rate in Ligue 1 last season, which betters arguably the Magpies' stand-out defender in Burn following his arrival in January - the towering centre-back won 60% of his duels in the top-flight.

Botman also averaged a greater pass accuracy than his Newcastle counterpart as well as averaging slightly more dribbles per game, showcasing his ability to be competent in possession and help play out from the back.

It's little surprise PIF remain on the Dutchman's case and are intent on bringing him in to St James' Park this summer.