AC Milan have reportedly stepped up their efforts to secure a deal for Lille defender Sven Botman.
During the January transfer window, Milan and Newcastle United were eager to sign the Netherlands international, only for Lille to delay a deal until the summer.
Magpies co-owner Amanda Staveley claimed last week that the centre-back was still eyeing up a switch to St James' Park ahead of 2023.
However, according to Calciomercato, Milan have responded by accelerating contract discussions with the 22-year-old, aware that there may also be interest from elsewhere.
The report claims that the Serie A title contenders have made significant progress in negotiations regarding personal terms with Botman.
As it stands, neither club has agreed a fee with Lille, but the French side are said to be willing to cash in on Botman, an alleged target for Tottenham Hotspur, with Champions League next season looking highly unlikely.
Darren Plant
