Top Newcastle transfer target ‘heading elsewhere’ as reporter makes pointed jibe at Eddie Howe’s side

James Marshment 01 Mar 2022 12:46 PM

Newcastle United’s chances of landing No 1 summer transfer target Sven Botman have been dismissed by an Italian journalist, who claims a move elsewhere look to be on the cards.

The Toon went through a copious amount of targets during the January transfer window as they sought to splash their newfound cash. They were met with a number of different obstacles and had to cross off plenty of names before securing their eventual five signings.

However, should they now survive the threat of Premier League relegation, the summer could be very fruitful on Tyneside.

They will be able to appeal with a fresh slate to players. And it would be no surprise to see them revisit some failed deals.

One man they tried extensively at signing was Botman. The Lille defender has been catching the eye this season, having impressed in both Ligue 1 and the Champions League.

The Magpies submitted two offers for the defender but had them both pushed back. Their transfer pursuit was over by January 16 as Lille president Olivier Letang said: “We had enquiries last summer for Sven. But we were clear in saying that we needed Sven this season.

“We had a run in the Champions League and we managed to finish first in our group. We have big objectives for the end of the season. So, Sven will stay with us until the end of the season to help us achieve these objectives.”

And having failed to land him in January, Newcastle are seemingly ready to make a fresh move. Indeed, Eddie Howe’s side are reportedly prepping a new approach when the summer window opens.

Defender set for Milan

However, reports in Italy claims Botman is more likely to make the move to AC Milan. Furthermore, the BBC reports that Botman is also unlikely to make the move to St James’ Park.

Newcastle and Tottenham on alert as Lille say Botman will leave

Newcastle and Tottenham will look for Sven Botman this summer as Lille hint player will leave

One man close to the transfer saga is also dismissing their transfer prospects.

Indeed, journalist Antonio Vitiello claims Botman is very much open to moving to the Italian giants.

And, in making a pointed jibe at Howe’s side, Vitiello suggests Newcastle may have to look elsewhere.

Vitiello warns that ‘Newcastle will try again’, before going on to take a dig at the Premier League side by stating ‘there is no history for the club’s coat of arms’.

Journalist claims Sven Botman is closing on Milan move

Furthermore, Vitiello believes Milan are on the brink of securing Botman’s signature.

He claims that with a move all-but agreed, all that is left is for the two clubs to settle on a fee.

He suggests they plan to do this ‘as soon as possible’. Furthermore, Milan are looking to do so to ‘avoid the inclusion of other foreign clubs’.

The failure to land Botman will come as a blow for Newcastle.

That said, the Magpies are reportedly looking at a number of other defensive targets. One of them, Diego Carlos, is likely to be on the move this summer too, though a huge £50m asking price may yet prove prohibitve.

Newcastle United Sven Botman