Newcastle United have failed in their attempts to sign centre-back Sven Botman in January, with Lille president Olivier Letang confirming the Dutchman will remain at the club for the remainder of the season at least.
The Magpies have made multiple bids for the former Ajax defender this month, but Lille have remained resolute in their determination to keep hold of the player for the time being.
Serie A giants Milan were another interested party, but alongside Newcastle they have been left frustrated by Les Dogues’ refusal to do business.
90min revealed earlier in January that the Tynesiders felt as though Botman was genuinely interested in a move to St. James’ Park, but Lille’s reluctance to hold formal talks put paid to any deal. While they are wallowing in mid-table in Ligue 1, Lille finished top of their Champions League group to earn a last 16 tie with Chelsea and predictably do not want to be weakened at this stage of the season.
Speaking to RMC, Lille president Letang brought the saga to an end by confirming the 22-year-old will stay at Stade Pierre Mauroy until the summer at the earliest.
“We had enquiries last summer for Sven but we were clear in saying that we needed Sven this season,” he said.
“We had a run in the Champions League and we managed to finish first in our group. We have big objectives for the end of the season so Sven will stay with us until the end of the season to help us achieve these objectives.”
Defensive reinforcements remain a priority for Newcastle and manager Eddie Howe. The club have planned further talks with Sevilla over centre-back Diego Carlos – although they are also reluctant to sell. Meanwhile, an enquiry about Atalanta left-back Robin Gosens was met with an encouraging response from the player.
England international full-back Kieran Trippier has already signed, although the Magpies failed to lure Lucas Digne to the club, with the Frenchman since joining Aston Villa.
This article was originally published on 90min as Lille president confirms Sven Botman won’t be joining Newcastle.
Source: www.90min.com