Newcastle United are seriously interested in signing Sven Botman in January

With their new owners being Saudi, of Newcastle Exploitation in the transfer market will be a major story to watch in January. As it stands, it seems their first priority will be to strengthen their backline. Each Fabrizio Romano, Newcastle are looking to recruit Lille midfielder Sven Botman. The Netherlands Under-21 international has been linked with Eddie Howe’s side and a move could be made next month.

Botman joined Lille last season, and immediately became a key part of the Ligue 1 side’s victory. He has been hailed as one of the best young defenders in the world, and has been linked with Italian giants AC Milan.

Lille is looking to sell in the transfer window, with the transfer Jonathan Ikone to Fiorentina all but confirmed. With Lille’s currency trouble Well documented, selling Botman can be mutually beneficial.

Botman is valued at around £40m, meaning a move for him is likely to be a record signing for the club. But the big move could be worth it.

It is clear that Newcastle need to strengthen their defense.

Newcastle are currently mired in the relegation battle, because they sit in 19th place. They have conceded 41 goals, the most in the Premier League.

They have been able to create goals, with the likes of Allan Saint-Maximin and Callum Wilson having had a solid season. The club look set to focus on bringing in help from the centre-back, as they have been in contact with Burnley about James Tarkowski and Ben Mee, potentially fallback options if the Botman move is dropped.

If Newcastle want to start a new era, they will want to build a core of young defenders. Sven Botman could be the first of a new generation at St. James.

With a heated relegation battle underway, the club’s fans will be delighted if the Magpies can pull off this massive coup.