Newcastle United ‘offered’ Manchester United star as Sven Botman alternative

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Newcastle United have been offered a ‘cut-price’ alternative to key transfer target Sven Botman.

The Magpies remain in talks with French club Lille as they look to finally secure a deal for the highly-rated Holland Under-21 international over the coming weeks.

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Botman returned from international duty last week and is currently on holiday as speculation over his next move continues to dominate the headlines.

United are understood to be working hard to agree a deal with Lille and will also need to convince the defender to snub interest from Serie A champions AC Milan to test his undoubted ability in the Premier League.

But with that move still in the works, Newcastle have been offered an alternative defensive option by Premier League rivals Manchester United.

Reports in The Mirror have suggested the 13-time Premier League champions are looking to part with the Ivory Coast international and will accept a bid of around £8.5million for his services.

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Bailly moved to Old Trafford in a £34.2million move from Spanish club Villarreal in July 2016 but has endured a series of injuries during his time in England.

Despite those injuries, the 28-year-old signed a new three-year deal last year and admitted he felt ready to move on from his injury troubles.

He said: “This decision is something I didn’t have to think about, I love this club and I love playing for Manchester United.


“I’m happy and so are my family, everything is good. Now the moment with my injury has passed and I’m fit and feel good, and that’s it. A new contract is like a new challenge and I’m ready for this.

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“That’s why I say the new contract shows the group has confidence in me - the coach, the staff and the players and, for me, that is very important.

“And that’s why I made this decision to stay at the club.”

But with incoming Red Devils manager Erik ten Hag said to be keen to refresh his newly-inherited squad and make space for new signings, Bailly looks set to depart this summer.

Newcastle have been offered the chance to secure his signature but French clubs Lyon and Monaco are said to be keen on making a move.

The Magpies have also been linked with Inter Milan centre-back Stefan de Vrij, Hungarian international Attila Szalai and Manchester City star Nathan Ake as Eddie Howe looks to strengthen his options at the heart of his defence.