Lille lost a top centre back last summer in Gabriel Magalhaes, as the Brazilian moved on to Arsenal in a big-money move.
The French side went into the market to sign a left-footed centre back to replace Gabriel, and they decided to raid Ajax for Sven Botman.
Botman wasn’t a household name at this point; he had impressed on loan at Heerenveen, but had never made a first-team appearance for Ajax.
The 21-year-old has now become a star in France, and one of the most in-demand left-footed centre backs in Europe ahead of the summer window.
Foot Mercato reported in December that Liverpool had made a move for Botman, and new rumours began to circulate on Sunday.
During the broadcast of Lille’s clash with Brest, it was claimed that Lille have already agreed to sell Botman to an English club this summer – as quoted by RMC Sport.
However, agent Nikkie Bruinenberg has now suggested to Fabrizio Romano that the reports are ‘fake news’, and no agreement is in place even if a summer move could happen.
Romano intriguingly noted that Tottenham also fancy Botman alongside Liverpool, and wanted him in January but couldn’t pull off a deal, just like Liverpool.
The Reds have since signed a left-footed centre back in Ben Davies, but Spurs have yet to really replace Jan Vertonghen, with Botman – a former Ajax graduate just like Vertonghen – a potential solution.
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