Lille slap hefty price on defender with Newcastle interested
Newcastle let a lead slip again
It was a familiar story for Newcastle United on Monday night as they welcomed Manchester United into town.
While Eddie Howe’s side were by far the better side, a failure to kill the game off, combined with some shakiness in defence, meant that for all of Joelinton and Allan Saint-Maximin’s impressive work, the Magpies only came away with a draw to show for it.
Allan Saint-Maximin’s fine first-half goal for #NUFC 👏 pic.twitter.com/qc5KGlOOqi
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) December 28, 2021
And although undoubtedly on paper they would have taken a draw before the game kicked off, on the balance of play it is them, not Ralf Rangnick’s United side, that will feel disappointed with the dropped points.
It also reinforces a rather worrying statistic. Eddie Howe’s side have dropped 19 points from winning positions, more than any other in the English top-flight this season, something that needs to change and quickly.
19 – Newcastle have dropped more points from winning positions than any other team in the Premier League this season (19). Indeed, they have only won one of the nine league games in which they have scored first in this season (D5 L3). Focus. #NEWMUN pic.twitter.com/fL5Eg4fNJy
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) December 27, 2021
And now, they could be priced out of a move for Lille defender Sven Botman.
Newcastle told price for defender
A centre-back should be top of the list for Newcastle’s wealthy new owners, alongside a striker, come the January transfer window.
And it appears as though they have identified Sven Botman, the Netherlands and Lille man, as their main target.
Newcastle are planning to sign one or two centre backs in January. Dutch defender Sven Botman is still top of the list, waiting for an answer from Lille about final price tag. ⤵️🇳🇱 #NUFC
Newcastle are also looking for a new right back. Work in progress.https://t.co/8KhQjfFUMS
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) December 24, 2021
But, according to Italian media, it will cost any side 30 million euros to prize the jewel out of Lille’s crown, even before wages are considered.
And while Newcastle’s new owners are certainly wealthy, with so many gaps in the squad, will they be willing to sanction so much for one position?
