THE SVEND
Newcastle’s transfer for Sven Botman ‘OFF’ and Toon working on other targets as Lille consider defender ‘untouchable’
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NEWCASTLE'S move for Sven Botman is OFF, according to reports.
Lille rejected the Toon's £30million bid last week with Eddie Howe itching to bolster his shaky back-line.
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The Magpies were believed to be mulling over an improved offer having signed England star Kieran Trippier in a £12m deal from Atletico Madrid.
But transfer guru claims the cash-strapped French giants will hold firm despite their financial woes.
Lille see Botman, 21, as 'untouchable' and will open talks over an improved contract in the summer, despite his current deal not expiring until the end of the 2024-25 season.
Romano tweeted: "Lille position on Sven Botman’s still the same...
"He’s untouchable and his future will be discussed in the summer.
"Deal off with Newcastle."
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Romano continued by saying Howe and Co had given up on Dutch whiz Botman.
But the St James' Park club are still in the market to sign a new centre-back to help in their relegation scrap.
Romano added: "Magpies already working on two other candidates in order to sign a new centre-back this week."
The have been linked with Monaco's £35million rated centre-back Benoit Badiashile and are said to have entered early talks, according to reports.
Botman only joined Lille from Dutch side Heerenveen in 2020.
Last season, the defender played 47 times in all competitions as they shocked Paris Saint-Germain and Co to clinch the Ligue 1 title.
This term, Lille have progressed to the last 16 of the Champions League, where they will face Chelsea.
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