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Newcastle are set to complete the £32m signing of Eddie Howe's top target Sven Botman from Lille... but are ready to move on from their pursuit of £25m striker Hugo Ekitike due to ‘ridiculous’ demands from the 20-year-old’s agent

Newcastle United are set to complete the £32million signing of defender Sven Botman but are ready to move on from their pursuit of striker Hugo Ekitike.

Botman arrived on Tyneside on Monday afternoon to complete his medical after the Magpies agreed terms with Lille over the weekend.

The Holland Under-21 centre-back was always keen on Newcastle despite interest from A.C. Milan and boss Eddie Howe had long since identified him as his top target in that position. It was an opinion shared by the club's scouting team and ownership.

Defender Sven Botman arrived at Newcastle on Monday afternoon to undergo a medical

A January approach failed when the clubs were unable to agree a fee but negotiations resumed this month and, despite frustration when Lille raised the asking price to £37m, a compromise has been reached.