Sven Botman's encouraging view on Newcastle United move

The club is finalising a £12million move for Atletico Madrid’s Kieran Trippier, who arrived on Tyneside today. The 31-year-old, due to undergo a medical, will be the first player to sign for the club since it was sold in a £305million deal in October.

Newcastle, now 80%-owned by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, are also looking to sign a centre-half in this month’s transfer window, and Lille’s Botman, 21, is a target for the relegation-threatened club, which is 19th in the Premier League table at the halfway point of the season.

Lille are in the last 16 of the Champions League, but the Gazette understands that the Holland Under-21 international, also linked with AC Milan, is open to a move to United.

However, Botman's club rate him in the £30million-bracket, and the two clubs are yet to reach an agreement.

A message from the Football Clubs Editor

Our aim is to provide you with the best, most up-to-date and most informative Newcastle United coverage 365 days a year.

This depth of coverage costs, so to help us maintain the high-quality reporting that you are used to, please consider taking out a subscription; sign up here.

Your support is much appreciated. Richard Mennear, Football Clubs Editor