Sven Botman has confessed that he is looking forward to leaving Lille this summer but remained tight-lipped when asked about his future destination.
Newcastle have been interested in the Dutch defender ever since their takeover went through and 90min understands that they are ready to make a significant push to sign Botman this summer, but they face fierce competition from AC Milan and the Serie A champions are ready to move forward with their interest after their own takeover was agreed earlier this week.
Asked about his future by Algemeen Dagblad, Botman admitted he was well aware of interest from both those suitors.
“Those clubs are interested, yes,” he said. “I can’t and won’t say much more about it. There are talks ongoing. I won’t go into all the details but it’s well underway.
“I do hope that the transfer for the new season is completed soon.
“What I want? To take a nice step towards a nice competition. I am also looking forward to a new step. I am aware of what I want. That is not necessarily to that club or that competition. You weigh all kinds of things and then the total picture has to suit you. I must have a very good feeling about it.”
Lille have made it clear to both clubs that they are prepared to sell Botman this summer, with his agents understood to have been growing concerned by Milan’s lack of progress while their takeover talks dragged on.
However, with RedBird officially striking a €1.2bn deal to take control of the club, talks are expected to resume in the coming days, with Milan also looking at Lille’s Renato Sanches.
