Sven Botman has explained choosing Newcastle United.

The Tynesiders had been battling it out with AC Milan, who won Serie A last season.

Reports in Italy suggested Botman, 22, was desperate to move to the Italian giants over Newcastle and secure Champions League football.

But the departing Lille defender said: “Ultimately, Newcastle United's great project, in combination with playing in the Premier League, was the deciding factor.

“That last one has been a dream my whole life. AC Milan also gave me a good feeling, but Newcastle United felt just a little better in the end.

"I really wanted to go to Newcastle United in January, because I also heard, and that's a cliché, I know, that a train like this doesn't pass by very often.

"But the clubs couldn't figure it out.

“And afterwards this might be better, because I can now experience a lot of preparation and I was able to say goodbye to Lille in a beautiful way."