Newcastle United handed potential summer boost amid AC Milan transfer uncertainty

Newcastle United’s pursuit of Lille defender Sven Botman could be boosted by reported transfer unrest at AC Milan.

The Italian giants were keen on landing another Lille target in Renato Sanches, but are now set to miss out on the Portuguese midfielder after Paris Saint Germain decided to enter the race for the 24-year-old. According to Football Italia, Lille’s asking price for Sanches is around the €30m mark, which PSG can meet. Milan had previously offered €15m for the midfielder but have now been jumped by PSG.

Personal terms were said to have been agreed between Sanches and Milan for a few months, but it now looks as though the Lille midfielder will be heading to Paris this summer.

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But with Milan’s current owners, who are potentially set to step aside this summer, unwilling to match PSG’s bid, it could be a sign that Newcastle have the advantage in the race for Botman.

Both Newcastle and Milan are keen on signing the Dutch defender, but only the former looks able to match Lille’s asking price. While Botman would be keen on a move to both clubs, it’s ultimately up to Lille where he goes. If they receive their asking price, they will sell to the highest bidder.

With the news that Milan are unable to match PSG’s Sanches offer, it would seem likely that they would also be unable to financially compete with Newcastle for Botman. And additionally, while Milan won the Serie A title for the first time since 2011, there is plenty going on behind the scenes at the San Siro.

There is reported tension behind the scenes at the San Siro, with sporting directors Paolo Maldini and Ricky Massara still yet to agree to terms on new contracts. Both their deals are set to end in June. Should Milan miss out on both Sanches and Botman, it could lead to them both walking away from the club.