AC Milan have called time on their bid for Sven Botman - according to Sky Italia. News bulletins in Italy, which are believed to have been well briefed by Milan officials, are now suggesting that Newcastle United's decision to crank up the price to €55million has resulted in Stefano Pioli's side dropping out of the race to sign the Dutchman.
The Serie A champions are already waiting for US private equity firm RedBird Capital Partners to complete a €1.3 billion and this week they asked Botman's representatives for more time.
Milan thought they had a €30m deal with Botman earlier in the year but fresh reports are suggesting they have turned to other targets. The Lille defender is Newcastle's first choice centre-back with Eddie Howe keen to strengthen.
Whether the €55m is a financial package that includes add ons remains to be seen but United are maintaining silence on transfers at the moment. Howe remains on holiday but with sporting director Dan Ashworth at the wheel the Toon supremo is keeping a close eye on all activity on day one of the summer window.
Botman is understood to have told his agent he wants his future sorted before he heads away on holiday next week. If Newcastle's mega offer for the left-footed centre-back does get accepted, Botman will have a decision to make immediately.
Meanwhile, Newcastle were linked with a new name in the Italian media tonight with AS Roma's Roger Ibanez reportedly a €30m target for United and Tottenham Hotspur. But the Botman situation seems likely to unfold first.
Of course, Milan could be playing mind games with Botman's representatives to see whether the centre-back - who at one stage had his heart set on the Rossoneri - are really prepared to walk away from the chance to play for the prestigious Serie A side. But with Newcastle pushing hard for the defender and showing Lille they are ready with a huge bid, the Magpies are demonstrating they are serious players in the summer window.
