NUFC suffer huge transfer blow: Deal dead for top target as club turn to plan B - The Athletic

Newcastle's pursuit of Lille's Sven Botman is 'all but over', according to The Athletic.

This comes from David Ornstein, who has revealed in the last few moments that the Ligue 1 side are now refusing to consider the centre-back's sale this month after a series of offers from NUFC.

He reports that Newcastle have reluctantly shifted their attention to other targets, with Sevilla's Diego Carlos and Monaco's Benoit Badiashile the back-up options set to be pursued now a move for our top target appears to be dead - barring an 'unexpected twist.'

Ornstein claims that Lille are refusing to hold any more talks with anyone interested in Botman, despite the player himself being 'keen' to complete a January move to St James' Park.

This comes after RMC Sport reported earlier today that the French side had rejected a bid in the region of £30m for the 21-year-old.

It's thought we are already in working on a deal to sign Carlos - the 28-year-old Brazilian currently playing in La Liga - while it's thought Monaco will be seeking a 'hefty' fee for highly-rated 20-year-old, Badiashile.