An exciting Newcastle United transfer claim has emerged regarding Lille defender Sven Botman...

What's the talk?

Fabrizio Romano has revealed that the Magpies' pursuit of the centre-back is not dead in the water despite failing with an initial offer of €35m (£29.2m).

He tweeted: "Lille turned down €35m permanent move bid for Sven Botman from Newcastle. French club plan still to try to keep Botman even if they're in difficult financial situation. No way for loan deal. #transfers Newcastle will try again - AC Milan are interested but no official bid."

Fans will be delighted

Newcastle fans will surely be delighted with this news as it suggests that there is still a chance that Botman could end up at St James' Park this month. They will also be buzzing as it shows that the club are serious about a deal for the Dutchman, given that they have been willing to submit a £29.2m bid for his services.

The Toon Army will be happy to see big-money offers going in for players, instead of lowballing clubs and waiting until the last few days of the window to make any moves. PIF are clearly working hard to try and make things happen, and irrespective of the end result, fans will surely be reassured to know that the powerbrokers are doing their best to supplement Eddie Howe's squad.

Supporters will also be delighted with the prospect of another offer being made to sign Botman before the end of the transfer window. He could be an excellent addition to the squad who would bolster Howe's defensive options, and that is why they must persist - as they appear to be doing - with a swoop for his services.

This season in Ligue 1, the Dutchman has averaged an impressive SofaScore rating of 7.02. This shows that he has what it takes to perform to a high level on a consistent basis whilst playing in a top European league, which suggests that he could be a success for Newcastle if he is able to adapt to English football.

Meanwhile, no Magpies centre-back has averaged a rating higher than 6.77 from Sofascore this term. Therefore, if he can translate his form over to the Premier League, Botman could be a significant upgrade on Howe's current options and improve the side considerably. In turn, Newcastle fans will be quite pleased with the club's concerted efforts to bring him in from Lille.

AND in other news, "Conversations on the phone" - Luke Edwards transfer update will have NUFC fans elated...