Sven Botman waves goodbye to Lille ahead of signing for Newcastle

In the last few hours, Newcastle have taken another step in completing Sven Botman's transfer to the club from LOSC Lille. The young centreback was also on AC Milan's agenda, but the club from the North East beat them to him.

The Magpies offered Lille an initial fee of 37 million euros, with the possibility of it reaching a total of 40 million. This amount quickly made up the minds of those in charge of transfers at the French club.

Ahead of the Dutchman's imminent announcement on Tyneside, Lille organised a farewell meet for Botman. In said meeting, the defender had some emotinal words for the fans of the "dogues": "I'm really happy to have worn the LOSC shirt for the last two years. It was an incredible adventure and memories that I will never forget".

The player developed by Ajax will complete his medical at Newcastle this Tuesday and finalise his signing with the club. Last campaign, the 22 year old appeared in 32 matches, five of which were in the Champions League, scoring three goals.