Newcastle United 'leading AC Milan in race for Lille's Sven Botman'

Newcastle United are leading AC Milan in the race to sign Lille defender Sven Botman, according to a report.

The Dutchman has been linked with a move to the Premier League since last summer, when the Magpies attempted to bring him to St James' Park.

Newcastle had made the signing of a central defender a priority at that point, but they could not agree on a price with the French outfit.

According to Football Insider, Newcastle are now leading the race to secure Botman's signature this summer for a fee of £30m, despite reports that he has agreed personal terms with AC Milan.

The English club believe that the Netherlands Under-21 international will accept their contract offer as personal terms had already been verbally agreed upon.

Botman has been a consistent part of Jocelyn Gourvennec's plans this season, playing 21 of Lille's 29 Ligue 1 games so far, and making 27 appearances across all competitions.