Sven Botman's telling message to NUFC and the Amanda Staveley claim that's come full circle

With Sven Botman now en-route to Tyneside for his Newcastle United medical, the six-month saga that's taken several twists and turns looks set to end with the player signing at St James' Park.

It hasn't always seemed like it would end in us landing our top defensive target, however, with several reports in Italy suggesting that the 22-year-old 'preferred a move to AC Milan.'

Who knows if there was any truth in those claims, but one thing that can't be disputed is what Botman himself said back in January.

It's easily forgotten, yet the big man was very complimentary about the project on offer at Newcastle just a few months ago. He confessed it would be "very nice" to be part of our plans and insisted it isn't all about the money - comparing our potential to the likes Manchester City and PSG; two clubs who have become European heavyweights following big-money buyouts.

Here's a reminder of what the Lille star said after confirming January interest from ourselves and AC Milan:

“I can confirm both Newcastle and AC Milan were concrete options this winter.

“Both were good options for me. I will take a good step in my career next summer”.

“Everyone says about Newcastle: it’s all about money. But it’s a very nice project.

“If you look at where Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain started...I think it would be very nice to be part of that, but of course Milan is also a beautiful club”

It's also quite telling to look back at what Amanda Staveley told The Athletic in February, with her stating that the 6ft 5′ defender was “very much” keen to join six months ago:

“Some desperately wanted to come to us, like Sven (Botman), who still does very much and has talked very openly about that.”

So, for all of the talk that we were his second choice after AC Milan failed to match our bid, these forgotten quotes from the player himself and Amanda Staveley tell quite a different story.

Milan are European giants who have just won Serie A and qualified for the Champions League as a result - who wouldn't be tempted by that - but these comments felt worth revisiting for anyone doubting whether the 6ft 5' Dutchman REALLY wants to be here.