Clearest sign yet that Sven Botman could finally be NUFC-bound as big claims arrive from Italy 

According to Sky Italia, AC Milan have walked away from a deal to sign Sven Botman after a £47m offer from Newcastle priced the Serie A giants out of a move for the Lille centre-back.

The same report states that Milan aren't willing to pay more than £30m, meaning our financial clout and newfound ambition may have moved us a huge step closer to finally landing our top defensive target.

Interestingly, The Chronicle's Lee Ryder has revealed that the the likes of Sky Italy are often briefed by AC Milan officials, meaning there could well be some legs in these latest claims.

It's understood Botman informed his agent that he'd like to make a final decision on his future before he goes away on holiday 'next week', making this latest development potentially significant and nicely timed now he's in the UK for Holland U21's clash with Wales at 5pm today.

The 22-year-old Dutchman has been heavily linked to both clubs for months now, with many sources claiming that the Italian side had been in the driving seat due to their ability to offer Champions League football.

However, if these reports from Italy really are true, it looks like they really might be leaving us to it and pursuing other options after failing to match our big offer for Botman.