Sven Botman 'travels to Newcastle to undergo a medical' ahead of £31m transfer from Lille

Sven Botman is reportedly travelling to Newcastle today to undergo a medical ahead of his move to the St James' Park.

Sportsmail revealed last week that the Magpies had made a breakthrough in their negotiations with Lille for the Dutch defender and agreed a £31million fee plus add-ons.

AC Milan also fought hard to sign Botman, but Newcastle submitted a higher offer which Lille were keen to accept.

According to Sky Sports, the deal is almost over the line as the 22-year-old is on his way to the north east for the routine pre-signing medical checks.

Botman, who is expected to sign a five-year contract, will become Newcastle's third arrival of the summer after Matt Targett and Nick Pope.

All three additions are a clear statement that Eddie Howe wants to solidify his backline and Botman has been his priority defensive target this summer.

A product of Ajax's academy, the centre-back made his senior debut out on loan Heerenveen before making the move to Lille in 2020.

He won the Ligue 1 title in his debut season in France and made 79 appearances for les Dogues, including five in the Champions League last year.

Botman is the current captain of the Netherlands' under-21 side but is yet to win a senior cap despite receiving a call-up to Frank de Boer's squad two years ago.

Meanwhile, Newcastle's move for Reims striker Hugo Ekitike remains under threat from PSG who want to create a greater French identity at the club.