SVEN BOTMAN will travel to Tyneside at the start of next week after the deadlock blocking his proposed move to Newcastle United from Lille was finally broken.

Having agreed the framework of a deal for the centre-half with Lille officials last week, Newcastle's recruitment team have spent the last seven days attempting to finalise a financial agreement and persuade the Dutch defender to join the Magpies.

The final pieces of the financial arrangement were concluded earlier today, with Newcastle agreeing to a final package worth around €39m. Around €30m of that fee will be paid up front, with the remaining sum comprised of a number of add-ons.

As well as negotiating with Lille, senior Newcastle officials have also been working hard to try to convince Botman and his representatives to rebuff competing interest from AC Milan and agree to move to St James' Park.

While AC Milan have not had a bid accepted by Lille, their interest in Botman is long-standing and the defender has been aware of their desire to take him to the San Siro.

At one stage, it looked as though he was going to hold out for a switch to Serie A, but after a series of talks with Lille officials and Newcastle's negotiating team today, he has agreed to a move to Tyneside.

Personal terms were effectively agreed when Botman discussed the possibility of joining Newcastle in January, and should not pose any problems.

Provided the 22-year-old passes a medical at the start of next week, he should be confirmed as Newcastle's third summer signing before next weekend.

He will follow Matt Targett, who completed a permanent move from Aston Villa, and Nick Pope, who joined from Burnley.