Final, record Sven Botman bid prepped as Howe, Newcastle get second rejection

Newcastle are considering whether to make a third offer for Sven Botman after a huge second bid for the player – reportedly worth £29.2m – was rejected by Lille.

The Magpies have wasted little time in strengthening their squad, with Kieran Trippier already on board. The full-back has joined in the hope that Eddie Howe’s side can stave off the threat of relegation. They will then set about the task of joining the Premier League elite after the Saudi-backed takeover.

But Howe needs quality players during the current window to ensure they do not slip into the Championship. To that end, Botman has been on the radar for some time.

The Netherlands Under-21 defender is well liked by Howe – but prising him from Lille is proving a difficult task.

Indeed, having seen an opening bid of around £25m rejected, Howe and Co remain undeterred.

Now, RMC Sport via Sport Witness, reports Newcastle have come back with a second approach worth £29.2m (€35m).

However, once again for the Magpies, that has fallen on deaf ears as far as Lille are concerned.

Now, the French outlet claims Newcastle are pondering whether to make a final offer worth £33.4m (€40m). The fee would comfortably smash Newcastle’s record money spent on a defender.

Newcastle targeting West Ham defender Issa Diop

Newcastle United still need defensive help and are looking at West Ham’s Issa Diop for £10m

That currently stands at just £14.85m used to lure Jamal Lewis from Norwich back in summer 2020.

And should Lille accept the offer, Botman would emerge as second only to the rejuvenated Joelinton as Newcastle’s costliest-ever player.

AC Milan are also reportedly keen on Botman but the Serie A title chasers do not have the financial means to compete with Newcastle.

However, should a third approach be rebuffed, Howe will move on to other options with a Monaco man seemingly in his sights. West Ham’s Issa Diop has also been linked.

Sven Botman agent welcomes Newcastle talks

Indeed, convincing Lille to sell appears to be Newcastle’s only hurdle in attracting Botman.

That’s after the player’s agent recently gave an encouraging response to links with Newcastle.

“We are talking about one of the strongest central defenders in the world, not only in Europe, also considering his age,” Francesco Miniero said, as quoted by CalcioMercato. “I don’t know who in Italy can afford such a player.

“Milan are an interested club like others, but how it will end I don’t know. The Rossoneri are one of the three most important clubs in the world, as history says. But Lille are also playing in the Champions League.

“Rejected Newcastle? I think it’s nonsense. The biggest obstacle is to convince Lille.

“Newcastle is an important club, playing in an important league such as the Premier. It is true that their situation in the standings is risky, but let’s see what will happen in these 24-days.”

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