SVEN BOTMAN has confirmed he turned down AC Milan to join Newcastle United, and has described the Magpies’ “great project” as the key reason for his decision to commit his future to Tyneside.

Botman’s €35m move from Lille was confirmed earlier this week, with the final formalities of the switch set to be completed in the next few days.

The 22-year-old came close to joining Newcastle in January, only for Lille to turn down a succession of offers for his services.

The framework of a deal was agreed earlier this summer, but negotiations proved tortuous, enabling AC Milan to enter the running and make an approach of their own.

Botman was aware of the competing interest from the San Siro, with his representatives holding talks with senior AC Milan officials.

However, while Milan were able to offer Champions League football after winning the Serie A title last season, Botman insists his mind was always set on joining Newcastle.

The Dutchman had expressed a desire to move to the Premier League in January, and while that failed to come to fruition at the start of the year, he cannot wait to be experience life with the Magpies when the new Premier League season begins in August.

“Ultimately, Newcastle United’s great project, in combination with playing in the Premier League, was the deciding factor,” said Botman, in an interview with Dutch media outlet De Telegraaf. “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 cliche, 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.

“That club deserved it. Staying wasn’t a punishment for me in January either, because I knew there were two great Champions League games against Chelsea coming up.”

Botman is one of three players to have joined Newcastle this summer, with full-back Matt Targett having completed a permanent move from Aston Villa and goalkeeper Nick Pope having joined from Burnley.