Newcastle agree £39m deal for Lille star Sven Botman as defender completes medical and signs five-year deal
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NEWCASTLE UNITED have agreed a deal for Lille star Sven Botman.
The centre-back, 22, has already completed his medical and signed a five-year deal to join the St James' Park revolution.
The club revealed that the "formalities of the transfer" will be "concluded this week".
It is believed Botman will cost £35m up front with £4m in add-ons.
The Dutch Under-21 star was pictured at the stadium holding the Newcastle kit and the signing appears all but complete.
The Saudi-owned Toon have been locked in a battle for the star Italian giants AC Milan since January.
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But they were boosted last week when Milan pulled out of the race.
Paris Saint-Germain also made a late move but Eddie Howe’s side have won the race for the highly-coveted star.
Botman’s arrival takes Newcastle’s spending to almost £60m after landing left-back Matt Targett, 26, from Aston Villa and Burnley keeper Nick Pope, 30.
However, the club's pursuit of Reims striker Hugo Ekitike is said to be dead in the water.
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It is believed 'ridiculous' demands from the 20-year-old's agent have forced Howe into looking elsewhere.
Newcastle were willing to pay £25m for the France U20 international, who scored ten goals in Ligue 1 last season.
Chelsea forward Armando Broja, who impressed on loan at Southampton last season, is one such target.
Everton and England striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Swedish Real Sociedad Alexander Isak are also on Newcastle's shortlist but would likely be too expensive given FFP limitations.