A major claim has emerged on Lille centre-back Sven Botman, regarding Newcastle United’s interest in his services…
What’s the talk?
Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano has claimed that the Magpies are ‘seriously interested’ in the defender and that he is at the top of their wishlist heading into January. Italian giants AC Milan are also said to be keen on the Dutchman, who had three other sides in talks to sign him in the summer.
He Tweeted: “Newcastle are seriously interested in signing Sven Botman in January. He’s top of the list – but still waiting to know Lille position/price tag. AC Milan are keeping tabs on Botman situation too #NUFC #Lille Sevilla, Wolves & Atalanta were in talks to sign Botman last summer.”
Delight
This major claim from Romano, that Botman is top of the club’s wishlist, will surely leave Newcastle fans feeling delighted. It shows that the ex-Ajax man is a serious target for the Magpies and indicates that he could be a player they are willing to actively pursue upon the opening of the transfer window next month.
Eddie Howe’s team are currently 19th in the Premier League table and staring down the barrel of relegation as it stands. They have only kept one clean sheet all season and lost 4-0 to Leicester at the weekend, highlighting the defensive frailties that have been causing them issues all year and showing why fans will be buzzing that PIF are working hard to bolster the ex-Bournemouth man’s options in that department.
The 21-year-old colossus has been in fine form for Lille and could be a top addition to Newcastle’s squad. He has averaged a SofaScore rating of 6.96 this season, impressing on Sunday with a score of 7.3 against Lyon in Ligue 1 for his side. He made five clearances, one block, two tackles and two interceptions to help his team keep a clean sheet in a 0-0 draw.
Last term, he averaged a score of 7.08 as Lille kept 20 clean sheets in his 37 appearances. This, along with his form this season, shows that he has the ability to perform to a high standard in a defence capable of keeping clean sheets at the top level, which is another reason why Newcastle fans will be delighted with the news of the club’s interest in signing him.
AND in other news, NUFC heading for disaster on “embarrassing” 30 y/o dud, Howe once locked him in a room…
