Newcastle United receive blow in Sven Botman race as defensive target reaches agreement with AC Milan

Newcastle United could be about to miss out on long-term defensive target Sven Botman, with reports in Italy claiming that he has agreed a deal with AC Milan.

Newcastle United were heavily linked with a move for Sven Botman in the January transfer window. Despite making multiple offers for the highly rated defender, the Magpies failed to sign him from LOSC Lille.

But failure to sign Botman in January did not affect Newcastle’s resolve, as they appeared to be ready to make a fresh approach for him. But now it appears that the 22 year old could be on his way to AC Milan, with reports in Italy claiming that he has already reached an agreement on a five year contract with the Serie A side.

La Gazzetta dello Sport report that Botman will earn an annual salary of 3.5 million euros at AC Milan. And now the only thing left is for the two clubs to reach an agreement over the transfer fee.

According to Calciomercato, there is great optimism in the AC Milan camp that an agreement can be reached with Lille. They add that Botman has already said no to a new offer made by Newcastle United.

Botman’s potential move to AC Milan is obviously a blow for Newcastle United, who will want to bolster their defence in the summer transfer window. After failing to sign Botman in January, Newcastle decided to sign Dan Burn from Brighton. And it appears that they will have to look for an alternative again in the summer.