Ultimately, Newcastle were able to outbid Milan for the 22-year-old as Lille accepted The Magpies’ £35million offer. The transfer is set to be formally ratified later this week.
On Tuesday evening, a Newcastle club statement confirmed Botman’s arrival with a deal agreed in principle.
Following the announcement, Botman’s agent, Nikkie Bruinenberg, posted a photograph of himself and the defender holding up a Newcastle home shirt at St James’s Park on Instagram.
It was accompanied by a caption revealing what Botman had previously told his agent.
“’Nik, one day I want to play in the Premier League’,” it said (translated from Dutch). “Here we are.”
The post gives credence to Botman’s desire to play for Newcastle in the Premier League despite strong interest from Milan.
Newcastle’s new signing also posted on Instagram: “Happy to be part of the Magpies family!”
Check out the latest Premier League transfer speculation below...
5. Hammers pushing for Lingard
West Ham United manager David Moyes is pushing hard for the club to re-sign Jesse Lingard ahead of Newcastle United. (90min) | Manchester United via Getty Imag
6. Gunners hold Wilshere talks
Arsenal have held talks with Jack Wilshere as they look to fill their vacant Under-23 and Under-18 head coach positions. (Evening Standard) | Arsenal FC via Getty Images
7. Colwill wanted by top flight duo
Leicester City and Southampton are ‘interested’ in signing Chelsea defender Levi Colwill this summer, with the player ‘wanted’ by both clubs. (The Guardian) | Getty Images
8. Camara attracting attention
Leeds United have been in ‘direct contact’ with Mohamed Camara’s representatives. Brighton are also ‘in the mix’ for a deal worth up to £25m. (Ryan Taylor) | AFP via Getty Images