AC Milan have been dealt a blow in their pursuit of Lille defender Sven Botman as they have learned of a higher asking price than initially reported.
MilanNews reported yesterday that Milan’s owners have confirmed their willingness to make a financial investment to strengthen the defence and cover for Simon Kjaer. While Elliott Management no longer have anything to do with Lille, the two clubs have good relations and Botman’s asking price could drop from the original €30m to about €20m plus bonuses.
However, Fabrizio Romano reports that Lille turned down €35m permanent move bid for Botman from Newcastle, who have just been taken over by a mega-rich Saudi-led consortium and certainly have the financial power to get this deal done.
The Ligue 1 club plan to try and keep Botman even if they are in a difficult financial situation, with no chance of a loan deal. Newcastle will try again Romano adds, while Milan are interested but no official bid has yet been made.
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