Liverpool dealt big blow in efforts to sign "extraordinary" centre-back target - journalist

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Liverpool have been linked with a move for Botman, but speaking to Football Insider, O’Rourke claimed that Newcastle are in talks with him over a new deal, as they look to “ward off” interest from Liverpool: “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.

I’d expect those talks to progress over the coming weeks and months to see if they can secure a new long-term contract.” Will Liverpool turn to Marc Guehi next summer? Botman could be perfect for Liverpool, now being an experienced Premier League player and being lauded as “extraordinary” by Eddie Howe, but they may have to look elsewhere.