NEWCASTLE: BOTMAN DEAL AGREED WITH LILLE

Newcastle United are on the verge of making their third signing of this summer’s transfer window after they agreed a deal with French side Lille for Dutch defender Sven Botman. Manager Eddie Howe has pointed out that the Magpies would be out to get deals that represent value for money and that the quest to close the gap on the top teams in the is a gradual one.

English left-back Matt Targett became the first summer signing for Newcastle United when he was signed on a permanent deal after his impressive loan spell from fellow Premier League side Aston Villa during the second half of last season. Targett joined the Magpies on loan from Villa while they were still deep in the relegation zone in January 2022 and he was a regular in the starting XI from then until the end of the season. Targett played his part as Newcastle United finished the season as the eleventh best team.

Newcastle United made England international Nick Pope their second signing of the summer after a deal worth around £10m was wrapped up for him. The 30-year-old was signed by the club after his Burnley team suffered demotion to the English Championship. Pope has left Burnley to sign for Newcastle United as he’s keen to retain his place in the England team ahead of this year’s FIFA World Cup tournament on Qatari soil. Pope will rival Slovakian international Martin Dubravka for the number one position in the goalkeeping department for the new season.

The Magpies are long-term admirers of Lille defender Botman dating back to the winter transfer window at the start of the year and it was stated that they have finally agreed a deal for the player. Newcastle United are set to beat Italian champions AC Milan to the signing of Botman in a £36m deal.