Newcastle's hopes of landing Sven Botman from Lille have been dealt another blow with Tottenham reportedly set to join the race for the highly-rated Dutchman. Botman was the subject of two January bids from the Magpies but both were rebuffed by the French club, who were desperate to keep hold of their talismanic centre-back until at least the end of the season.
Newcastle are not the only club in contention though with Botman now considered to be one of the best young defenders in Europe.
AC Milan were also at the table in January and are expected to return ahead of next season.
Liverpool have also previously placed Botman under the microscope.
Now Tuttomercato claim Tottenham are set to enter the running as they target defensive reinforcements.
Tottenham appear to have entered the running for Sven Botman (Image: GETTY)
The news is a potentially devastating blow for Newcastle, who are already up against it when it comes to signing Steve Nickson's top target.
Antonio Conte's are clearly in desperate need of some quality additions in the wake of Sunday's 2-0 defeat to Wolves.
The glaring flaws in Spurs' defence were there for all to see and supporters are now beginning to lose patience with the likes of Davinson Sanchez and Ben Davies.
Potentially problematically for both Tottenham and Newcastle, Botman's agent recently travelled to Italy to meet with Milan.
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Fabrizio Romano confirmed the twist on his Twitter, writing: "AC Milan have confirmed to Sven Botman agents their intention to sign him in June as a priority target. So it was a positive, direct meeting in Milano today.
"Newcastle have been pushing for months but AC Milan want Botman - they won’t give up."
Milan are keen to make Botman a pillar of their defence alongside Fikayo Tomori.
The Italian giants are mindful that they may need to replace captain Alessio Romagnoli, who is out of contract this summer.
Sven Botman is the subject of interest from Newcastle, AC Milan and Tottenham (Image: GETTY)
Spurs have also been linked with the Italian international and they are almost certain to sign another defender this summer when the market reopens.
Meanwhile, Botman's agent Nikkie Bruinenberg believes his client will make the right decision when it comes to selecting his next club.
He recently said: “I’m sure he’ll make the right decision in the summer: Milan and Newcastle are two great teams.
"Don’t make the mistake of thinking that Newcastle can only be an economic choice.
"A good project is being born, but Milan are also a very prestigious club.”
