Liverpool are in talks to sign alleged West Ham target Sven Botman from Lille according to Transfer guru Duncan Castles.
In other news…Report: 51-cap international really wants to join West Ham, Moyes working on deal
The Hammers were recently linked with a move to sign the 20-year-old centre-back by Foot Mercato.
If David Moyes is still keen to bring the Dutchman to the London Stadium, however, he may well have his work cut-out.
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp allegedly wants to bring Sven Botman to Anfield.
Duncan Castles has claimed that the Reds have already begun talks with the player’s agent and it is suggested that there is a strong possibility that the Merseyside outfit will make a move for the Lille ace this month.
It is claimed that the 20-year-old centre-back could be sold for roughly double the £7 million that Lille paid for his services six month ago.
Castles told the Transfer Window Podcast:
“My understanding is that Lille would be willing to sell the player probably for twice and a little bit more what they paid Ajax for him in the summer. Liverpool have done this kind of thing before, it’s a good fit for their strategy. My information is that they have been calling and speaking to Botman’s agent. Botman’s agent likes the sounds of the conversations and believes there is a strong possibility that they will decide to make an offer for the player in January.”
If Castles is to be believed, Liverpool are surging ahead in the race for the signature of Sven Botman.
That is clearly bad news for West Ham. The Dutchman is an excellent young centre-back.
And the Hammers could really have done with signing him this month or in the summer.
Sven Botman stats
In 17 Ligue 1 appearances for Lille this season, the 20-year-old has averaged 1.2 tackles, two interceptions and 2.9 clearances per game. He has also won an average of 3.8 aerial duals per game (Who Scored).
Standing at 6ft 4in tall, the Dutch starlet is a physically imposing defender. He is strong in the air, tough in the tackle and is also a very good reader of the game for someone so young.
Jose Fonte, who has played with both the Lille centre-back and Virgil van Dijk rates Sven Botman as the best cental defender he has ever played alongside (Express).
He has also been described as ‘outstanding’ by transfer guru Duncan Castles.
Botman certainly has the talent to succeed in the Premier League. £14 million is a lot of money to spend on an unproven player in the current climate, however.
Liverpool can afford to take that risk. West Ham certainly cannot. So it is clearly obvious that the Reds have a big advantage over the Hammers.
West Ham could very well end up regret missing out on the Lille ace. And it would be no surprise if Sven Botman turns out to be a real hit at Anfield.
That is if he does end up joining Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool side of course.
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