Player now 'actively pushing' to join NUFC as Toon eye TWO signings before Watford - Report

The Telegraph have released a potentially decisive update on Newcastle United's pursuit of Sven Botman.

North-East reporter Luke Edwards has revealed that, following a second bid worth 'around £40m', the Dutchman is now 'actively pushing' to leave Lille in order to seal a January switch to St James' Park.

The towering 21-year-old is believed to be our top centre-back target, with us making an improved offer for the defender earlier today (as confirmed by The Athletic) after we had a £30m bid rejected earlier this week.

Interestingly, The Telegraph also state that Eddie Howe is hoping to see the club bring in a centre-back - ideally Botman - AND a striker in time for next week's relegation six pointer against Watford.

Here's a snippet from Luke Edwards' latest piece:

'A centre back and a striker are wanted before the Watford game next weekend and Telegraph Sport understands Holland under-21 international Sven Botman is now actively pushing to leave Lille after the Magpies made a second bid for him on Friday.'

It's also worth noting that Edwards stated earlier this week that, despite Lille's reluctance to sell, a move for Botman could be back on the cards if the player himself pushed to leave the reigning Ligue 1 champions - and it seems he is now doing exactly that!

The Athletic claim he's keen to come, The Telegraph reckon he's now pushing for a move and he's also been liking a host of NUFC-related pictures on Instagram; including one photoshopped image of him in a black and white shirt!

With Trippier signed and eligible for tomorrow's game, two bids in for Botman and us attempting to also bring Lucas Digne to the club following a fallout with Rafa Benitez, it's fair to say our new owners are not messing about this month.

Hopefully our improved offer is enough to tempt Lille into submission and the big centre-back signs in time for next week's huge game at St James' Park.

Wishful thinking, but the arrival of a striker must also be a top priority, with Dwight Gayle currently the only fit centre forward at the club ahead of our must-win clash with Watford.