Sky Italy claim fresh twist in Sven Botman saga as NUFC look to pip AC Milan, Man Utd and Spurs

According to fresh reports emerging from Italy, AC Milan are close to giving up in their pursuit of top Newcastle target Sven Botman.

This comes from Sky Italy's Manuele Baiocchini, who states that the Serie A giants are ready to 'move away' from the Dutchman and pursue other central defensive targets.

He also states that Newcastle's attempts to sign the 22-year-old are growing 'stronger and stronger', but admits that Man Utd and Spurs are also admirers.

Gianluca Di Marzio - another journalist at Sky Italy - states that AC haven't given up completely, but have 'not come close' to matching Lille's €40-€45m asking price (£34-£38m) - an interesting line given The Telegraph's Luke Edwards revealed on Monday that we had struggled to agree a fee with the Ligue 1 side as of yet.

Perhaps they want a bidding war given the level of Holland U21 star, however our hopes of finally bringing him to St James' Park may have taken an unexpected twist for the better if AC Milan really do pull out of the race.