If top target Sven Botman joins AC Milan, Newcastle are prepared to move for Eintracht Frankfurt defender Evan Ndicka.

Botman has been Toon’s first choice since January, but he appears to be on his way to Italy.

Newcastle have not given up, although Botman’s confidence was shaken when he was quizzed about the Serie A champions during an interview while on international duty.

The Magpies are in desperate need of a new centre-back and have expressed an interest in Ndicka, who is valued at £20 million.

The 22-year-old was a key player in Frankfurt’s Europa League victory over West Ham and Rangers.

However, with the 6ft 4in France U-21 ace’s contract expiring next summer, the German club is eager to sell.

Ndicka, a left-footed centre-back, would provide competition for Dan Burn and provide a left-back alternative.

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Ndicka, who joined Auxerre from Auxerre in 2018, has also been watched by Manchester United.

Nathan Ake of Manchester City is admired by manager Eddie Howe following their time together at Bournemouth, but he is too expensive at £50 million.

They’re also competing for Christian Eriksen, who is set to become a free agent at the end of the month after a loan spell at Brentford.

The Magpies, though, are up against heavy competition, with the Bees, Manchester United, and Tottenham all interested in signing him.

Newcastle have been on a fantastic run of form since the turn of the year, which has seen them climb out of the relegation zone and into the top half of the Premier League standings. However, reinforcements are still required this summer, particularly in defence.

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As a result, N’Dicka would be a wise choice, with the French centre-contract back’s in Germany having only one year remaining to run and therefore being available on the cheap this summer.

Markus Krösche, the club’s board member for sport, recently hinted at the need to move players before they become free agents, which will only help the Magpies.