Newcastle United's chase for Sven Botman could yet be assisted by news from Italy today that AC Milan have been handed a limited transfer pot by incoming backers RedBird Capital Partners.
And there are also reports of former Arsenal chief Ivan Gazidis, now the CEO at Milan, having a disagreement with transfer chief Paolo Maldini on whether the club need Botman with Fikayo Tomori, Pierre Kalulu and Simon Kjaer all already on board as centre-backs. Newcastle fans will be hoping that the uncertainty is playing into the hands of Eddie Howe and Dan Ashworth.
The Botman saga has continued this week with the Dutchman still on holiday and his representatives awaiting news from Milan regarding whether they can go toe to toe with Newcastle for his services. In what has turned into a summer transfer drama, Milan bosses briefed the media that they would not match United's bid of €55million, which was a package that included add ons.
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With Milan's takeover going slowly, the new backers have now extended the contract of club transfer supremo Paolo Maldini with the Italian legend signing a two year contract. According to Tuttosport Maldini has been given a transfer pot of €60million.
Milan also want Lille's Renato Sanches who could command a fee of €25million and have other targets in different positions meaning the debate could rage on over Botman. If Milan continue to dawdle with their decision both Botman's representatives, who are already under pressure from Lille to make their mind up, could help pave the way for Newcastle and the former Ajax youth player.
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