Sven Botman's comments on Newcastle United transfer offer hope amid rumoured AC Milan preference

The Magpies’ firm interest in Botman emerged last winter as they looked to secure the Lille defender back in the January transfer window.

Despite two bids, Newcastle weren’t able to reach an agreement with Lille for the Netherlands under-21 international.

Now the summer transfer window is open, there is a sense of deja vu as United have reached another potential impasse with the Ligue 1 side over a transfer fee.

Newcastle thought they were close to reaching a £30million deal for the 22-year-old but Lille are holding out for more money with Serie A champions AC Milan also interested.

Reports from Italy have suggested that Botman has no intention of signing for Newcastle and his heart is set on Milan despite the Italian club still being some way short of Lille’s valuation.

But based on comments directly from Botman himself, he appears open to joining Newcastle and is simply waiting for Lille to give the green light.

Speaking earlier this year, Botman told Ziggo Sport: “I can confirm both Newcastle and AC Milan were concrete options this winter.

"Both were good options for me. I assume that I will take a good step in my career next summer.

“Everyone says about Newcastle: ‘it's all about money’. But it's a very nice project, if you look at where Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain started.

"I think it would be very nice to be part of that, but of course Milan is a beautiful club.”

Botman’s comments came in spite of Newcastle sitting 19th in the Premier League table back in January. Now they are in a much more favourable position with their top flight status secure.

The defender wants his future sorted for the start of pre-season in July and is confident he will be leaving Lille, providing all goes to plan.

“I accepted the situation [in January],” Botman told L’Equipe last season. “There were opportunities [to leave].

"But we also had the Champions League to play in, my first one. And we were in a good position in Ligue 1. I think these offers will come back [in the summer].

“If things go as planned, then yes [I will leave Lille]. After that, we’ll see. I haven’t decided anything.”

Earlier this month, Botman confirmed that both Newcastle and AC Milan are interested in signing him and discussions are ongoing.

"[Newcastle and AC Milan] are interested, yes," he told Algemeen Dagblad. "I can't and won't say much more about it."What I want? Taking a nice step towards a nice competition. I am also looking forward to a new step."I am aware of what I want. That is not necessarily to that club or that competition. You weigh all kinds of things and then the total picture has to suit you. I must have a very good feeling about it.

"I intend to take a step. Talks are underway now.

"I won’t go into all of that, but it’s going well. I do hope that the transfer for the new season is completed. Preferably also for the pre-season, yes.

"Things are in progress and I hope there will be more clarity before the pre-season.”