Call me sad, but I decided to spend my Saturday afternoon watching Sven Botman in action, with the heavily linked defender starting for Holland U21’s in their Euro qualifier against Wales.
The 5pm kick off is being streamed live on Youtube and the big man impressed before he was withdrawn at half-time.
Then, midway through the second half, the camera panned to the stands. Who did I see? Newcastle United’s newly appointed sporting director, Dan Ashworth!
Here’s a screenshot of the former Brighton man in the stands in Wales, with it fair to presume that he was present to watch Botman in action:
This comes less than 24 hours after a pretty significant update emerged on the Lille defender’s future, with Sky Italy reporting last night that AC Milan are pursuing other options after failing to match Newcastle’s mammoth bid.
Whether that’s true or not, hopefully Ashworth’s presence is a sign that we really are closing in on a move for the 6ft 5′ Dutchman.
If there’s still work to be done – which may well be the case – let’s hope the former England man can sell him a summer move to St James’ Park, especially now he’s in the UK.
Elsewhere, Kieran Trippier starts for England in tonight’s Nations League clash with Italy at Molineux, seeing him operate at left-back once again following that 1-1 draw in Germany earlier this week.
Or maybe he was there to watch his son Zachary who plays for Wales
Obi 2 kanobi(Quote)
I think Botman has messed us around too much – never a good sign.
So I’m with Obi 2.
Ashworth was there to watch his son, who was on the bench for Wales.
BykerBill(Quote)
Hope he goes to AC tbh, Newcastle need commitment and loyality.
Christopher Coleman(Quote)
How on earth has he messed us around?
The window opened on Friday, he’s been away on international duty with the final game being said match against Wales.
It’s been stated by the none hysterical that he’ll announce his future after the qualifiers which should be soon.
Anyone believing the press guff and coming out with rubbish that he’s messing us about need to give their heads a good shake.
Give over man
Porkpie(Quote)
Concentrate on Ibanez as first signing because he is Brazilian if Botman’s deal is being stalled that don’t wasting the time go for another Brazilian Bremer. That will be a Brazil defensive line set-up already. Add one more like Lodi that could be a particle Brazil defensive and it can be created a immediately affect with tough and hard to face any striker challenge. The new season most of teams are improving a lot particular Liverpool but, they are all reliant on South America striker like Nunez from Uruguay, Díaz from Colombia, Firmino from Brazil…So setup a Brazilian defensive line( traditionally Brazil is big brother in South America, others nation without any advantage when they are facing Brazil ) is more particle to against our imaginary enemy Liverpool. If we can stop them striking that we can no worry to face others except Man. C.
Anthony(Quote)
Bremer who is a combat defender. I watched him play against Juventus this year. He can 100% control the top level central striker Vlahović with no any chance for him getting the score. So I think he can manage Nunez or Firmino with no big problem. Besides, he is not like Botman with a sky high price tag.
Anthony(Quote)
Dan ashworth son was also on the bench for wales mind!!
Wibble(Quote)
Byker bill didnt read last part of your comment??
Wibble(Quote)
Just looking forward to the season starting bring on the new guys and good luck to you all
Jim bob(Quote)