Sven Botman hints at summer transfer and admits Newcastle is a ‘nice project’ after £50m January move breaks down
NEWCASTLE target Sven Botman has hinted he would be open to a St James' Park summer switch after a January move collapsed.
The Lille defender, 22, was on Toon's radar over a £50m move last month.
But the Dutch U21 international stayed put as the window slammed shut last night.
Botman is also a target for AC Milan, and he admitted that he's open to a move away this summer.
He told Ziggo Sport: “Everyone says about Newcastle - it's all about money.
"But it's a very nice project, if you look at where Man City and PSG started. I think it would be very nice to be part of that, but Milan is a beautiful club."
Botman added: "I'm fine at Lille for the time being.
"I assume that I will take a good step in my career next summer.
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"You never know in football. This time both Newcastle and Milan were in very concrete talks.
"Both clubs have their positive points."
Newcastle had a busy first transfer window under their new Saudi Arabian ownership.
Eddie Howe signed Kieran Trippier, Chris Wood, Bruno Guimaraes and Dan Burn as well as bringing in Matt Targett on loan from Aston Villa.
Newcastle are 18th in the Premier League and a point adrift of Norwich above them with a game in hand.