Newcastle: PIF could move for £40m Botman alternative at St James' Park | OneFootball

Newcastle United target Benoit Badiashile will be ‘the one through the door’ if their bid to land Sven Botman fails, according to journalist Jacque Talbot.

The Magpies are expected to strengthen at centre-back this summer but appear to have reached an impasse in negotiations with LOSC Lille for Botman at this moment in time.

What is the latest news involving Badiashile?

French outlet L’Equipe revealed Newcastle had a £33 million bid rejected for Badiashile during the January transfer window before they eventually signed Dan Burn from Brighton.

However, the Magpies clearly remain in the market for defensive reinforcements and are stuck in protracted talks with Lille over the services of the highly-rated Botman.

L’Equipe (via Get French Football News) have recently stated that Newcastle remain interested in Badiashile, though, who is expected to cost any potential suitor around £40m.

The talented 21-year-old has previously admitted that he ‘dreams’ about playing in the Premier League, potentially providing a boost to Eddie Howe’s charges.

“I had some contact with English clubs (in January), but this was just informal contact,” Badiashile told Goal France. “For me, the Premier League is the best league. So, naturally, I dream about it.”

What has Talbot said about Badiashile?

Talbot believes Badiashile is Newcastle’s second-choice centre-back signing behind Botman and could land at St. James’ Park if the proposed deal for the Dutch international collapses.

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In an interview with GiveMeSport, he said: “He’s someone they took a look at in January, and it was quite heavily reported. I think if this Botman bid fails, I think he’d be the one through the door.

“He’d be the one they go for; he was heavily linked in January. He’s again, young, Ligue 1, left-sided, so he’d be the one through the door next if Botman does end up going to AC Milan or that deal collapses.”

Would Badiashile be a good signing?

The France Under-21 international has risen through the ranks at boyhood club AS Monaco, making 119 senior appearances across all competitions despite his tender years.

As per FBref, Badiashile has ranked in the 93rd percentile for progressive passes, the 92nd for interceptions and the 88th for aerial duels won amongst his positional peers over the last year.

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These figures indicate that the 6 foot 4 giant is capable of playing out from the back while also carrying out the more traditional aspects expected of a central defender.

Missing out on Botman would be a blow for Newcastle, but if they can bring in Badiashile instead, the Dutchman’s presence would perhaps not even be missed on Tyneside.