Sven Botman has refused to rule out a summer transfer to Newcastle after a move to St James‘ Park did not materialise during the now closed January window.

The Dutchman was Newcastle’s primary target at centre-back last month but Lille were incredibly reluctant to do business, and after accepting their fate, the Magpies pursued plenty of other defenders and eventually ended up signing Dan Burn from Brighton.

Newcastle are expected to reignite their interest at the end of the season, and speaking to Ziggo Sport, Botman confessed that the project on offer on Tyneside has really captured his imagination.

“Everyone says about Newcastle – it’s all about money,“ he began. „But it’s a very nice project, if you look at where Man City and PSG started. I think it would be very nice to be part of that.“

He did, however, also refuse to rule out joining another suitor as well. AC Milan were hot on Botman’s tail in January, and the defender confessed that Milan are a ‚beautiful club‘.

He continued: „I’m fine at Lille for the time being. I assume that I will take a good step in my career next summer. You never know in football. This time both Newcastle and Milan were in very concrete talks. Both clubs have their positive points.“

Newcastle ended their transfer window having signed Kieran Trippier, Chris Wood, Bruno Guimaraes, Dan Burn and Matt Targett, the latter of whom joined on loan from Aston Villa.

They ultimately fell short in moves for Reims striker Hugo Ekitike and Manchester United midfielder Jesse Lingard, but manager Eddie Howe will hope to have enough new recruits to help steer the Magpies out of a relegation battle.