Botman close to signing new Newcastle deal | OneFootball

Newcastle United centre-back Sven Botman is close to signing a new long-term deal to remain at St James’ Park, according to the Daily Mail.

The Dutchman had 18 months left on his deal with the Magpies, but new sporting director Ross Wilson led talks to secure his renewal.

After ‘significant progress’ was made in those talks with the Newcastle ace, ‘a new long-term contract is close’.

The 25-year-old has bounced back from injuries to re-establish himself as a key player.

Botman spent lengthy spells sidelined but has remained fit for a while, forming a promising partnership with Malick Thiaw.

The former Lille star has shown he is a key component of the team, and the new deal demonstrates the club values him.

They were sweating over a new deal a couple of months ago, but he is now ready to sign on the dotted line.

However, Botman’s impending renewal should not mask a growing issue in Newcastle’s defensive planning.

Dan Burn and Fabian Schar have been outstanding servants, but both are on the wrong side of 30 and cannot be relied upon to play every minute at the highest intensity.

Botman’s recent injury history underlines the risk of putting too much faith in his availability.

Newcastle lack a natural, like-for-like replacement who can anchor the back line and maintain manager Eddie Howe’s preferred structure.

If the club are serious about sustaining Champions League ambitions and coping with a congested fixture list, signing another centre-back is a must this summer.