Newcastle United's wealth could prove too much for AC Milan in the race for Sven Botman, according to Sky journalist Gianluca Di Marzio (via Sport Witness). 

The lowdown

Newcastle tried to sign the LOSC Lille centre-back Botman during the January transfer window. Alongside Sevilla's Diego Carlos, he was a leading central defensive target.

Having seen a £30million approach knocked back, Newcastle, led by the Saudi PIF, considered making a 'massive' bid in the final week of the window, only to accept that Lille president Oliver Letang wouldn't entertain a January sale.

They ultimately wound up signing Dan Burn from Brighton and Hove Albion for a more modest £13million.

The latest

The latest report (via SW) states that Lille's demands could be 'much higher' than Milan, another of his suitors, are planning to bid.

And that could open the door for Newcastle, who are 'also on the player' and 'could offer much more'.

Lille would prioritise 'the better bidder', but Di Marzio does note that the landscape may change if Botman himself expresses a preference to join Milan.

The verdict

Newcastle may be able to flex their financial muscles, but will they be Botman's no. 1 choice?

AC Milan are one of the giants of the European game with seven Champions League titles - a tally only Real Madrid can better.

And they're currently poised to compete in the continent's premier club competition once again next term, while Newcastle would be content with simply staying up.

But Botman, who's only 22, can afford to think long-term, and Newcastle are confident of eventually competing for the top honours under their new ownership.

What's more, the opportunity to play in the Premier League is a big draw for the Dutchman, having previously professed a love for the 'style of the play' and the 'emotion' in England.

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