Botman deal announced as surprise Newcastle United statement arrives on Tuesday night
Newcastle United have announced that Sven Botman will sign a five-year deal at St James' Park after the club 'agreed a deal in principle' with Lille.
The club statement reveals that the formalities of the transfer will be concluded 'this week', with the 22-year-old set to be announced officially in the coming days.
The 6ft 5' Dutchman is expected to cost in the region of £32-35m - making him the most expensive defender signed in the club's history.
Botman helped Lille lift the Ligue 1 title the season before last, has Champions League experience and is currently the captain of the Netherlands' U21 side.
Here's the official statement released via NUFC.co.uk just moments ago:
Newcastle United have agreed a deal in principle with LOSC Lille to sign Dutch defender Sven Botman for an undisclosed fee, holding off competition from a host of European sides to secure the highly-rated centre-back.
Botman has completed his medical on Tyneside and agreed the terms of a five-year contract.
The formalities of the transfer are set to be concluded this week, following which the 22-year-old will officially become a Newcastle United player.
