Newcastle ‘lifting transfer step’ Sven Botman negotiates over £30m transfer with highly-rated Lille defender keen to join’

NEWCASTLE is said to have stepped up their pursuit of Lille defender Sven Botman.

Botman has been linked with Newcastle in recent weeks as Eddie Howe desperately searches for reinforcements to bolster his leaky defence.

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And now the Magpies have stepped up talks with Lille over a £30m move, according to Letters.

The 21-year-old Dutchman is said to ‘want’ a move to Newcastle, despite the club’s dangerous league position.

Howe considers defensive signings a priority and has marked Botman as one of his top targets.

Bournemouth’s Lloyd Kelly and Tottenham’s Joe Rodon has also been linked with the move to Tyneside.

But it looks like Botman is the man they want, as talks with Lille are ramping up before the transfer window opens. TOMORROW.

Had contact between the two clubs about a potential transfer, but now Newcastle appear to have taken a step closer to signing their man.

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AC Milan have also expressed an interest in Botman to replace the injured Simon Kjaer, but that is likely to be devalued by his £30m valuation.

Botman played 63 times for Lille, helping the club fail to win Ligue 1 last season against favorites PSG.

And he could become Newcastle’s second signing under the new era at St. James ‘Park Sau £300m Saudi-backed in October.

It is claimed that the English full-back Kieran Trippier could join the club next week as Howe’s first signing.

The club are confident they can make some deals in January to lift their spot at the top of the Premier League table.

Although plans had to change somewhat after Callum Wilson suffered a calf injury in 1-1 draw against Manchester United.

Strengthening the defence is a priority, but Wilson’s injury means the club could also be forced to sign a striker.

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