Fabrizio Romano reveals Tottenham are not in ‘two-horse race’ for centre-back
Fabrizio Romano has revealed there are two clubs leading the pursuit for Lille defender Sven Botman, but did not mention Tottenham in the conversation.
Botman has emerged as one of the most promising defenders in Europe after being part of a Lille side which won the Ligue 1 title in 2020/21.
Although he could not help his side retain their crown last season as Les Dogues ended the campaign in 10th place, he has still garnered plenty of transfer interest over the last year.
90min previously reported that all of Spurs, Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain and AC Milan were keen on the Netherlands defender, while Newcastle have continued to retain their interest, having chased him extensively in January.
The Athletic also named Botman as one of the names on Tottenham’s wishlist for the left-sided centre-back role.
Romano has since provided an update on Botman and while naming Newcastle and Milan as the two horses in the race, the Italian journalist did not mention Spurs as possible suitors.
He wrote in his column for CaughtOffside: “My feeling from sources is that it’s just a two-horse race between Newcastle and AC Milan for Sven Botman.
“I’m sure Newcastle fans will be desperate to hear a positive update on this saga, which has been dragging on for a while, but while the club’s interest is advanced, it’s far from guaranteed that the promising young Dutchman will end up at St James’ Park.
“Newcastle have gone so far as to offer more than €36m guaranteed fee plus add-ons, while AC Milan are confident that Botman would like the Serie A move but do not yet have a full deal with Lille.
“Contacts are proceeding, very soon Botman and Lille will decide whether it will be AC Milan or Newcastle.
“A move to the Premier League can’t be ruled out, and Newcastle are doing what they can, but it’s not easy to convince a player who has his heart set on a European giant like Milan.”
Update – Romano has revealed this evening that Newcastle have won the race to land Botman.
Spurs Web Opinion
Tottenham do not appear to be in the chase for Botman as they potentially may have found other targets elsewhere. He is more than capable of playing in that left centre-back role which Spurs have been looking to fill this summer, but they obviously feel as though there are other players to pursue instead.
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