(Football news) Newcastle have agreed a deal with Lille for the Netherlands Under-21 captain Sven Botman. Eddie Howe tried to sign the 22-year-old in January but faced competition from AC Milan in the winter transfer window. Landing the centre-back for a fee of £39m means that now Eddie Howe has recruited right across his defence since taking charge last November. In January he signed Kieran Trippier from Atletico and Brighton centre-back Dan Burn. Left-back Matt Targett also arrived on loan from Aston Villa, with the move subsequently made permanent this summer

England goalkeeper Nick Pope also joined Newcastle from Burnley earlier this week. In April, Howe said it would not be the "revolution that everyone thinks it will be" at the club this summer. A Saudi Arabian-backed takeover of the Magpies in October 2021 made them one of the richest clubs in the world as they hope for some success this season. Botman is Ligue 1 title winner and was also keen on a move to AC Milan this summer but  the Dutchman is now set to travel to Tyneside for a medical next week after Lille finally accepted an offer from Newcastle. Botman is viewed as a player who can grow with Newcastle in the future when the club evolves in the years to come.

However, Howe recognises that Newcastle need to improve, the 44-year-old is keen to maintain the togetherness that has been forged and not disrupt the dressing room spirits. Newcastle have been offered many big name players by agents and intermediaries since the club's takeover was completed last year. New arrivals do not necessarily have to be big name signings but they need to buy into the work ethic and selfless mentality that has already been established at the club by Howe. Fringe players like Ciaran Clark, last season trained like they were still available for selection in the second half of the season while veterans such as Dwight Gayle and Matt Ritchie continued to push those around them despite barely featuring for the team.

Howe does not want to upset the club ethos he has built and all five of the club's January signings – Kieran Trippier, Chris Wood, Bruno Guimaraes, Dan Burn and Matt Targett seemed to fit into the scheme of things effortlessly. Even Bruno Guimaraes had to wait to get his chance as the Brazil international understood why, fellow midfielders Jonjo Shelvey, Joelinton and Joe Willock were all playing well at the time and Howe let the Brazilian settle in the scheme of things with ease. Eddie Howe will be hoping that the same thing happens with Sven Botman as the Dutch defender is quite experienced at a very tender age. 

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