Newcastle need reinforcements
Newcastle United are in desperate need of defensive reinforcements, having conceded 42 goals in their Premier League campaign to date, the joint-most in the league.
And while the addition of La Liga winner Kieran Trippier will help in that regard, while also providing a significant threat from set-pieces, they need more.
Official and confirmed. Kieran Trippier joins Newcastle from Atlético Madrid on a permanent move. ⚪️ #NUFC
Eddie Howe: “A lot of hard work has gone into planning for the January transfer window, which is clear in how quickly we have been able to complete this move”. pic.twitter.com/JmJWZxiJbc
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 7, 2022
This is certainly the case in central defence, where their current options are simply not up to the standard required to keep them in the top flight. As a result, a whole host of names have been linked with a switch to Tyneside, but two seem to stand out in the form of Sven Botman and Diego Carlos, of Lille and Sevilla respectively.
? Newcastle intensifying efforts to sign both Sven Botman & Diego Carlos. Carlos may be easier but #NUFC won’t pay silly money for a 28yo. Botman is top target. Badiashile among back-ups. Also want striker + midfielder. W/ @ChrisDHWaugh for @TheAthleticUK https://t.co/UbfbdYigL1
— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) January 7, 2022
And now, they have been told just how much it will cost.
Botman to cost club-record fee
Unfortunately for Newcastle, Lille are under no pressure to sell the star 21-year-old defender, having just netted 15 million euros from the sale of Jonathon Ikone to Fiorentina.
As a result, they are ready to hold out for big money for the Dutchman, having already rejected a 35 million euro bid for his services.
Lille turned down €35m permanent move bid for Sven Botman from Newcastle. French club plan still to try to keep Botman even if they’re in difficult financial situation. No way for loan deal. ? #transfers
Newcastle will try again – AC Milan are interested but no official bid. pic.twitter.com/huz48eilJI
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 3, 2022
But, every man has his price. And, as per French media, Botman is no different. It is thought that Lille are holding out for a deal worth around 45 million pounds (54 million euros) for their defender.
Quite whether Newcastle will be willing to break their transfer record for the 21-year-old is another matter, however.
