Newcastle United backed to sign £20m Sven Botman alternative after latest twist – pundit
Eric Bailly would improve the Newcastle United squad and could be a good alternative to Sven Botman, according to Noel Whelan.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the ex-Middlesborough and Premier League forward delivered his verdict after it was reported Newcastle have been offered the chance to sign Bailly.
The Mirror reported on Sunday (19 June) that the club see the 28-year-old as an alternative to Botman and Man United would demand a £20million fee.
The Telegraph reported on Wednesday (21 June) that Newcastle’s hierarchy are getting increasing frustrated in negotiations with Lille over Botman.
A Magpies source told Football Insider last week (16 June) that they have not given up hope of landing the 22-year-old but he would prefer a move to Inter Milan.
Asked if Bailly could be a good alternative to Botman, Whelan told Football Insider correspondent Connor Whitley: “I think it could be.
“The one good thing about Newcastle right now is they are looking at a pot of players they can get through the door.
“Despite being such a big club, they know where they are, they know they are rebuilding. They’re not going after players who don’t demand to be in the Champions League.
“They’re picking players from a pot that makes sense so they can be competitive next season and progress up to that middle section come the end of the season and then it’s about progressing again.
“I think he’s definitely someone that would improve the squad, there’s no doubt about that.
“Everybody they’ve been linked with so far would be a step-up from some of the players that they’ve got already.”
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