Lille president Olivier Letang has offered an update on Newcastle United target Sven Botman, who is likely to leave the club in July.
The defender was heavily linked with a move to Newcastle during the winter transfer window.
This transfer ended up falling through but it has been reported that the Magpies will return for the centre-back this summer.
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Newcastle’s priority in January was to sign new defenders. They ended up bringing in Kieran Trippier, Dan Burn and Matt Targett.
Botman has played 20 times across all competitions for Lille so far this term. Their president (Letang) has revealed that they are open to “discussing” his departure.
Fabrizio Romano has reported via Twitter that Botman will be leaving Lille ahead of the 2022/23 season:
Lille president Letang: “Sven Botman’s a top player who deserves to play in a club that can win the Champions League. If there’s something which allows everyone to be satisfied, we’ll discuss”, he told Le Parisien #transfers
Botman will leave Lille in July – plan is clear.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) February 6, 2022
Elsewhere, Callum Wilson has insisted that Newcastle United “needed” to sign another striker in the January transfer window.
Stade Reims’ Hugo Ekitike was a top target for the north east club, but they were unable to come to an agreement with the Ligue 1 club.
And Wilson, who has not played since December 27 due to injury, admits he “was looking forward” to the club signing another striker after Wood.
“I was looking forward to the club bringing in another striker as well as Chris Wood,” Wilson told the Footballer’s Football podcast (quotes via Chronicle Live).
“I think we needed one more as well. Unfortunately, we didn’t get that in the attacking area but I back Woody from now until the end of the season and also back myself so when I do get fit and we end up playing together and helping the team, it’s all about the team at the end of the day. All we want is that.
“When we’re getting strikers in the door and when you’re hearing about strikers, I just think it’s only going to benefit the team in a positive way so the more the merrier.
“Bring the competition in the door because it is nice and it does push you. It does take you to that next level and I think it brings out the best in you.”
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