Newcastle signing Sven Botman has dismissed comparisons with Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk.

When asked in his first interview about media comparisons between himself and Van Dijk, the 22-year-old made it clear he still has a long way to go before reaching the level of Liverpool's fan-favourite.

"I'm far from his level yet! I want to reach that level, that's my goal of course," Botman told NUFC TV.

"Virgil is a great defender but I'm far from his level and playing in the Premier League I can go towards his level.

"One day I hope to be like him but I need a lot of time and a lot of matches. As I said, Newcastle is a great environment to improve and become like him."