Newcastle Set To Face Stiff Competition For No 1 Defensive Target

Since Eddie Howes arrival in the North-East, Newcastle United have been seen to be going from strength to strength. When Howe was first appointed, the Magpies were sitting in 19th, with relegation seemingly unavoidable. Fast forward a few months and Newcastle are sitting in a comfortable 11th place, having rounded off the campaign with a 2-1 away win against Burnley.

The turnaround that has ensued from the moment Howe was appointed is nothing short of remarkable, with Newcastle sitting in 6th place in the form table since his arrival.

The Magpies are looking to get some early transfer business done, with Fabrizio Romano reporting that they are back in for Sven Botman, a player that they had 3 transfer bids turned down for in January.

The Dutch defender who currently plays for Lille has always been the main target for Newcastle, with the defence being a key area Howe is looking to strengthen. Botman, the Ajax academy graduate, is an especially attractive prospect due to his composure and ability to play out the back. Attributes that will be crucial for Howe, with the manager looking to further implement his expansive style in the North-East.

However, it looks like Newcastle will be facing stiff competition for Botman’s signature, with newly crowned Serie A champions A.C. Milan interested in the player also. The Rossoneri have already made a proposal to the player, with Botman 100% set on leaving one way or another.

If Botman does end up at Newcastle, it will be a telling sign of what is to come, with a player choosing an 11th place side over the reigning Serie A champions almost unfathomable until now.