Botman’s agent hints at summer battle between Newcastle’s ‘project’ and ‘prestigious’ Milan

The agent of Sven Botman has once again flirted with the idea of his client joining AC Milan, but also called Newcastle United a ‘great team’.

Numerous sources reported that Milan tried to sign Botman during the January transfer window but Lille did not want to sell the 22-year-old, though Paolo Maldini and Ricky Massara are now working to make sure they do not miss out on the Dutchman.

MilanNews are among the outlets to claim that Botman has always been the No.1 target so they are trying to wrap him up before June. They speak of an agreement already in place with the player who is happy to join ahead of the 2022-23 season, and talks on with Lille over a €30m operation that would be Maignan-esque.

Now, Botman’s agent Nikkie Bruinenberg has spoken to Voetbal International about his client’s future, seemingly confirming that a summer move is on the cards but refusing to express a preference over a potential destination with the decision solely in the player’s hands.

“One of the main qualities of Sven is that he is always very confident in making decisions, he does not allow himself to be influenced and above all he has a lot of courage,” he said (via MilanNews).

“For example, after the loan at Herenveen it would have been convenient and logical for many to return to Ajax, but Sven decided to go to Lille. It could have been a risk, but that’s Sven, he’s not afraid to dare.

“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.”

READ MORE: Gazidis explains why it was an ‘honour’ to join Milan from Arsenal – “There was no better project”