Sven Botman deal cited as pundit claims major pitfall hindering Newcastle in summer window

Newcastle United have been told that their tremendous wealth may prove their downfall in the transfer market this summer.

Former Leeds United striker Noel Whelan feels that the St James’ Park outfit are going to have to pay a premium on transfer targets due to their Saudi ownership.

The Magpies were bought by the Saudi Public Investment Fund back in October for £300million. And they made an immediate impact by bringing in a number of January signings to help steer the club way from the relegation zone.

Newcastle are expected to be very active in bolstering Eddie Howe’s squad further. However, so far they have only landed Matt Targett in a permanent deal from Southampton.

Lille centre-back Sven Botman has been one of the major names on their wanted list. But the Telegraph reported last week that the French club have upped their asking price for the player from £30m to £36m.

While Botman prefers a move to AC Milan, Newcastle still hold out hope that a deal can be done. However, they are unwilling to pay more than the player is worth purely down to their wealth.

But Whelan feels that is a situation they will now have to get used to.

Newcastle facing wealth tax

He told Football Insider: “When you bring in a consortium as wealthy as they are there are going to be some downfall.

“If they are really serious about building a squad and being a competitive force next year and having more wins than losses at St. James’ Park you’re going to have to take a bit of a hit, unfortunately, on some of these players.

“These are really good international players that you’re looking at. They’re not players that Barcelona, Man City and Liverpool etc. are going for. But they are players that will definitely push you into the top half of that league.

“In my opinion, that’s where they need to start off. They need to spend maybe that little bit extra than other clubs would do because of their wealth. And also because they are putting a team together that will take the next step on that ladder that they keep talking about.

“In five, six, seven years they want to be challenging for the Premier League title, well, it starts now. It might start with having to pay that little bit more, unfortunately.”

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