Arne Slot’s Liverpool have suffered a blow in their pursuit of Newcastle United defensive mainstay Sven Botman.

According to Pete O’Rourke via Football Insider, Newcastle United are in talks with Sven Botman over a new long-term deal, and they are confident about reaching an agreement with the Dutch centre-back despite interest from rivals Liverpool.

Botman made a name for himself at LOSC Lille before joining Newcastle United in the summer of 2022. While he has struggled with injuries since moving to Tyneside, the 25-year-old has been a regular feature under Eddie Howe when fit.

The Ajax graduate has been one of their standout performers this season. He has started in 12 out of his 14 outings in the ongoing campaign. With his regaining full fitness and putting in consistent performances week in and week out, multiple top clubs are now interested in his services.

Liverpool are keen on signing Botman

Since he only has 18 months left on his deal, rival clubs see this as a great opportunity to try to lure him away. Liverpool are one of the clubs that are interested in acquiring his services. After a disappointing start to the season, Slot is set to prioritise defensive reinforcement in the winter window.

He is believed to be a massive admirer of the Dutch defender and would love to have him in his ranks. The Reds are keeping tabs on his situation and could make a move at the turn of the calendar. Meanwhile, Newcastle are aware of the increasing interest and are looking to do everything in their power to keep hold of the 25-year-old.

O’Rourke’s take on Sven Botman’s future

While speaking about Botman’s situation at Newcastle, O’Rourke said, “I think they’re confident that they can keep hold of Sven Botman. Contract talks have opened up initially between Botman and Newcastle to see if they can come to an agreement over a new deal.

“He’s got 18-months left on his current deal as well and I think the key thing for Botman now is staying fit and enjoying his football. He’s back to full fitness this season and he is a key man for Eddie Howe in that Newcastle side as well.

“The priority for everybody at the club will be to tie him down to a new deal and sort of ward off this speculation linking with the likes of Liverpool and PSG. Obviously, it will be a concern that these big clubs are looking at Newcastle’s players. They’ve obviously experienced it already last summer with Alexander Isak, so they won’t really want to repeat that one as well.

“So, the player appears happy with life at Newcastle and as long as Newcastle are competing at the highest level, I’m sure the player will be happy to stay as well. I’d expect those talks to progress over the coming weeks and months to see if they can secure a new long-term contract.”

Newcastle United are closing in on a renewal

Newcastle have opened talks with the 25-year-old, and after those initial talks, they remain confident about reaching an agreement with him. The Tyneside club are looking to secure the long-term future of their biggest stars, as they do not want a repeat of the Alexander Isak situation.

They are aware of Liverpool’s interest in the Dutch centre-back, and want to ward off any advances with a new long-term deal. The player is believed to be happy at Newcastle, and as long as the club continues to fight at the highest level, he might not have a problem penning a new deal.