Newcastle United are close to announcing the completed signing of Dutch U21 international defender Sven Botman from Lille after The Magpies agreed a deal for £35M on Friday afternoon with the 6ft 5in centre back - who has been compared to Virgil Van Dyk - arriving on Tyneside in style for a medical on Monday morning:

The very highly-rated 22 year-old defender whom Newcastle fans are constantly referring to his new nickname 'Batman' was courted by Serie A Champions AC Milan but opted for The Magpies to join The Saudi-backed revolution under Eddie Howe.

Its another statement of intent from Newcastle after signing England international goalkeeper Nick Pope for £10M last week and Matt Targett for £12M.

Botman is a giant, no-nonsense defender but hailing from the Ajax Academy, has the footwork and ball-playing ability to adapt to and excel in The Premier League as he demonstrated in The Champions League with Lille last season, who although they were finally knocked out by Chelsea in the Last 16 of the competition, he was a major reason why they got so far in the competition playing alongside ex-Magpie Hatem Ben Arfa.

Botman carries a goal-threat and scored three times last season - a number that set-piece specialist Eddie Howe will be keen to improve on - including this goal that against Paris St Germain from a Ben Arfa cross in a Lique One match:

As well as goals, Botman has a very well-developed all-round game possessing pace, power, passing ability and a predilection for carrying the ball out of defence and its for this reason that he is such a prospect that AC Milan's Paolo Maldini wanted him so badly. This terrific in-depth thread on Twitter by a Newcastle fan and data analyst expands why Newcastle have patiently waited since January for his signature:

Botman has signed a five-year deal with The Magpies and Eddie Howe flew from his home on the South Coast to meet and greet a player he will be relishing building his Newcastle defence around, a natural born leader who could in time become as important to The Magpies' growth & success as Vincent Kompany proved for Man City.

Backed by the PIF Sovereign Wealth Fund and with a huge potential spend this summer still a possibility without touching Financial Fair Play due to Mike Ashley's careful running of the club, Botman is likely to be the third of 4, 5 or 6 new signings as Newcastle aim to slowly and steadily close the gap on the Top 6 & clubs above them with goalscorers the next priority with Huge Ekitike & Lucas Paqueta still heavily linked.