Sources: Newcastle ‘confident’ of agreeing Sven Botman deal after Liverpool twist
Newcastle are in talks with Sven Botman over a new long-term deal at the club despite links between PSG and Liverpool for the defender.
Botman has struggled with injuries for Newcastle during his time on Tyneside, but has been a regular for Eddie Howe this season.
Amid his return to fitness and form, former Man United and Sunderland chief scout Mick Brown exclusively told Football Insider that Newcastle want Botman to sign a new contract to scare off PSG’s advances.
Newcastle have been keen on Botman signing a new deal, along with other big names such as Sandro Tonali, in order to solidify Howe’s long-term project at St James’ Park.
Botman deal seen as ‘priority’ with Liverpool lurking
As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, the Magpies are determined to pen a long-term deal with the Dutchman in the coming weeks.
Everton’s former chief Keith Wyness exclusively told Football Insider that Liverpool are prioritising a defensive signing in January and are keeping tabs on Botman.
Speaking on the Inside Track podcast, I explained: “I think they’re confident that they can keep hold of Sven Botman.
“Contract talks have opened up initially between Botman and Newcastle to see if they can come to an agreement over a new deal.
“He’s got 18-months left on his current deal as well and I think the key thing for Botman now is staying fit and enjoying his football.
“He’s back to full fitness this season and he is a key man for Eddie Howe in that Newcastle side as well.
“The priority for everybody at the club will be to tie him down to a new deal and sort of ward off this speculation linking with the likes of Liverpool and PSG.
“Obviously, it will be a concern that these big clubs are looking at Newcastle’s players. They’ve obviously experienced it already last summer with Alexander Isak, so they won’t really want to repeat that one as well.
“So, the player appears happy with life at Newcastle and as long as Newcastle are competing at the highest level, I’m sure the player will be happy to stay as well.
“I’d expect those talks to progress over the coming weeks and months to see if they can secure a new long-term contract.”
Newcastle working on further strengthening defence with Oscar Mingueza
Along with the security provided by a long-term deal with The Netherlands international, the Toon are also working on bringing in defenders to St James’ Park to bolster the rearguard even more.
Sources told Football Insider that Newcastle are monitoring the ongoing situation of Oscar Mingueza.
The versatile Celta Vigo man is set to leave the Spanish side at the end of the season on a free, suggesting he could leave for a cut-price in January.
Vigo need to cash in before it is too late and the Magpies look to be in pole position for the Spaniard.