Sven Botman medical pencilled in as Newcastle United agree fee for long-term transfer target

Newcastle United have agreed a fee with Lille for long-term transfer target Sven Botman, with the Netherlands defender set to undergo his medical on Tyneside early next week.

News broke on Friday evening of Botman’s imminent move to St James’ Park after the Magpies finally struck a £39million deal with the Ligue 1 side.

Personal terms are not expected to be an issue with the 22-year-old always open to a move to United, despite strong interest from AC Milan.

The Italian media falsely painted the narrative that Botman was not keen on Newcastle and only had eyes for Milan.

There’s no denying that Botman strongly considered a move to Milan but it is Eddie Howe’s side who have won the race for his signature ahead of the current Serie A champions and seven-time Champions League winners.

A statement of intent

That is testament to the club’s ambitions under its owners, who, once Botman is confirmed, will take the summer spending total to around £63million after Matt Targett and Nick Pope’s arrivals.

Newcastle first attempted to sign Botman - their top defensive target - in January with Lille rejecting three bids. Howe later turned his focus recruiting Blyth-born Dan Burn, who arrived from Brighton for £15m.

Many had expected Botman to join AC Milan immediately after the 2021/22 season finished. However, the delay from the Italian giants and their failure to meet Lille’s asking price has allowed United to swoop in.

This, by no means, was a straightforward deal for Newcastle to complete with Botman’s impending arrival in a similar bracket to Bruno Guimaraes’ January switch from Lyon.

The former Ajax academy graduate is on course to officially become Newcastle’s third senior summer signing next week and link up with Howe’s side in time for their pre-season return on Friday.