Newcastle United get the edge in race for Lille’s Sven Botman

According to reports, Newcastle United have got the edge in the race for Lille defender Sven Botman after submitting an offer for the Dutchman.

Sven Botman’s proposed move to Newcastle United has been one of the more dragged-out transfer sagas in recent memory, to the point where – if confirmed – Magpies fans can be forgiven if it feels a tad anticlimactic.

Ever since Newcastle’s take-over toward the end of last year, the Lille defender has been linked with a switch to Tyneside. The club submitted a bid in January before being put off by his current employer’s asking price.

Subsequently, they turned to Brighton’s Dan Burn as a cheaper alternative adjudged worthy of helping reach the immediate goal of avoiding relegation.

Heading into the summer window, it appeared the Magpies would have more competition to fend off for Botman’s signature, with AC Milan reportedly edging the race at one point.

The latest developments, however, suggest the chase has swung back in Newcastle’s favour, journalist Fabrizio Romano stating on Thursday that talks with Lille had entered key stages.

Following on from the initial reports, Newcastle have tabled an offer in the region of £30m including add-ons after having two bids rejected in January, Express Sport understands.

What could Sven Botman offer Newcastle United?

While their current options performed admirably in the second half of last season, the signing of Sven Botman would symbolise a look toward the upper end of the table for Newcastle.

At 22-years-old, the Netherlands U21 international is touted for a bright future and is of a pedigree that they would’ve struggled to attract prior to their recent investment.

Despite his age, Botman would arrive at St. James’ Park already used to playing in a senior role and will be able to slot straight into manager Eddie Howe’s plans.

The centre-back started 37 out of 38 games in Lille’s 2020/21 title-winning campaign which sealed the Northern French side’s first Ligue 1 trophy for 10 years.

Scoutedftbl describes Botman as a player who, while boasting superior physical attributes, isn’t one-dimensional in that sense and is comfortable in possession of the ball.

Although, the former Ajax youth product isn’t blessed for pace and can be slow on the turn which may prove a problem if partnered with the equally immobile Burn.

Newcastle have confirmed their first signing of the summer transfer window in the form of full-back Matt Targett, who joins on a permanent from Aston Villa after impressing on a six-month loan in 2021/22.

With unconfirmed reports coming out of Italy suggesting Botman may be having second thoughts on the switch, Eddie Howe and Newcastle fans will be hoping for confirmation, either way, sooner rather than later.