The latest social media activity on the part of Lille star Sven Botman hints that the defender is keen on the prospect of a move to the Premier League with Newcastle United.

Trippier secured

The inevitable January recruitment drive at St. James’ Park was of course kicked into full swing earlier today.

This came with the Magpies, now backed by the eye-watering riches of the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund, having finally announced the long-awaited signing of Kieran Trippier from Atletico Madrid.

The stopper, already boasting plenty of experience in the English top-flight owing to stints with Burnley and Tottenham, is understood to have set Newcastle back a sum of around £12 million, plus bonuses.

The chances of the new owners on Tyneside calling it a day for January following Trippier’s arrival, however, appear slim to none.

Instead, Eddie Howe is expected to be afforded a significant transfer kitty to add further to his faltering squad over the weeks ahead, amid a tense battle for survival at the foot of the Premier League table.

Botman next up?

And, as alluded to above, on Friday afternoon, one known target on the part of the Magpies has dropped a less-than-subtle hint that he would be very much open to taking his talents to St. James’ Park this month.

The player in question? Sven Botman.

Lille standout Botman, fresh off the back of a superb opening half to the campaign, is widely regarded as one of the finest up-and-coming talents in France.

Newcastle, in turn, are understood to have identified the Dutch youth international as the ideal addition to the heart of the club’s backline.

Reports over the course of the day to date have even pointed towards an improved offer for Botman being tabled, as Lille’s resolve continues to be tested.

And, if the latest social media activity on the part of the stopper himself is anything to go by, then interest between Botman and Newcastle appears to be very much mutual.

As spotted by eagle-eyed fans across social media, on Friday, the Lille talent took to his personal Instagram account, to like an image of himself photo-shopped into the famed black and white stripes of the Geordie giants:

 

Kieran Trippier sends out first message following Newcastle switch

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