Newcastle United have opened talks with Sven Botman over a new long-term contract as the club looks to shut down growing interest from Paris Saint-Germain and Liverpool, according to Football Insider’s Mick Brown.
Botman has dealt with injuries during his time on Tyneside, but he has returned to regular action this season and remains an important part of Eddie Howe’s defence and the future of the Magpies as a whole.
Brown reported that Newcastle are pushing to secure an agreement for a contract extension
soon, describing the effort to extend Botman’s stay as a priority for the club. The insider added that contract discussions have already started as Newcastle attempt to protect their core players, avoiding another Alexander Isak situation.
“I think they’re confident that they can keep hold of Sven Botman,” Brown said. “Contract talks have opened up initially between Botman and Newcastle to see if they can come to an agreement over a new deal.”
Botman has 18 months left on his current contract. Brown said the focus for the defender is staying fit and continuing to play regularly.
“He’s back to full fitness this season and he is a key man for Eddie Howe in that Newcastle side as well,” Brown said. “The priority for everybody at the club will be to tie him down to a new deal and sort of ward off this speculation linking with the likes of Liverpool and PSG.”
Brown added that Newcastle remain wary of elite clubs hovering around their squad after last summer’s battle to keep Alexander Isak. The insider added that Botman is settled and happy, provided the club continue to compete near the top end of competitions.
“So, the player appears happy with life at Newcastle and as long as Newcastle are competing at the highest level, I’m sure the player will be happy to stay as well,” Brown said. “I’d expect those talks to progress over the coming weeks and months to see if they can secure a new long-term contract.”
