Pranav Nair
Manchester United eye Sven Botman as an alternative for Raphael Varane
Speaking on The Transfer Podcast (h/t Express), Duncan Castles has revealed that Manchester United are in touch with the representatives of Lille star Sven Botman.
The Dutchman has been a critical component of the French side as they look to win the Ligue 1 title. He has missed just one league game all season as Lille hold a three-point lead at the top with two games to go.
It is no secret that United are in the market for a new defender this summer. While Raphael Varane remains a target, Botman has now emerged as an alternative. (h/t Express)
Castles believes that Lille are open to selling Botman this summer. The French giants for all their success on the pitch are struggling financially off it. (h/t Express)
“Sven Botman at Lille will almost certainly be sold this summer because Lille badly need to raise cash.”
United have already got the ball rolling by getting in touch with the player’s agents. Whether this will speed up the process ahead of the summer’s Euros remains to be seen.
“United, I’m told, have been working and making contacts with Botman’s agents to explore the possibility. So he is on the list too.”
The 21-year-old joined Lille only last summer but has seen his stock rise immensely the last few months. He has so far made 45 appearances for the club this season, making one assist. (h/t Transfermarkt)
With Virgil van Dijk ruling himself out, it remains to be seen if Botman will earn himself a place in the Dutch squad for the Euros.
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Although he still has some ways to go regarding his development, Botman is a long-term investment who could form the bedrock to our defence for years to come.
More so, the Dutchman also happens to be a left-footed central defender. A rare trait that could hand us an advantage in finding new avenues for passing.
