A big update has emerged on Newcastle United's attempts to land their second deal of the summer transfer window after signing Matt Targett.

What's the talk?

The Telegraph's Luke Edwards has revealed that the Magpies are leading the race for Sven Botman and should find out what the player wants to do before next week.

He Tweeted: "On Botman nothing has fundamentally changed in last few days but as reported. NUFC believe they’re in pole position. We should finally get a decision this week. Until it’s done it’s not done etc. Howe returns from holiday soon. Ashworth watched player last night for Holland U21s."

The Northern Echo's Scott Wilson then added: "NUFC hoping to reach end game with Sven Botman deal this week after defender signs off from international duty. Looks like they’ve beaten off competition from AC Milan. Suggestions of PSG interest noted - but not regarded as a concern…"

Eddie Howe will love it

The Magpies' head coach will love these updates on the club's attempts to land the Lille enforcer for several reasons.

Firstly, he will be buzzing with the claim that a decision is now on the way. Having a final call from the player by the end of the week will either allow Newcastle to wrap the deal up quickly and in time for pre-season or give them over two months to find an alternative centre-back target.

He will also be delighted with the suggestion that the club have managed to beat AC Milan and PSG to the player, if they are now able to get this over the line. Both of those teams will be competing in the Champions League next season after winning their respective leagues.

Newcastle, meanwhile, have no European football on offer and it remains to be seen what targets Howe will set in terms of a realistic finish in the Premier League in 2022/23.

This means that they are set to land Botman in spite of having less to offer from a footballing point of view, which will delight Howe as it would show that the defender has faith in the long-term project at the club.

At the age of 22, the Dutchman is a player who can develop alongside the team in the years to come and be a part of the journey to, hopefully, securing Champions League football in the future.

AND in other news, NUFC can find their own Paqueta in deal for "glorious" £64m gem with "no weaknesses"...