LOSC Lille fell to a 2-0 defeat to Chelsea in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League Round of 16, yet reported Newcastle United target Sven Botman impressed on the night.
The 22-year-old defender was one of the names to look out for as an English audience got to witness the likes of Botman and Canadian international Jonathan David for the first time, and it was the former who caught the eye the most for Lille.
Whilst Botman was unable the keep a clean sheet, the former Ajax academy graduate kept Chelsea at bay for most of the night, with Gary Lineker being left impressed by the Lille youngster on Twitter.
Indeed, the Match of the Day host suggesting Botman as a transfer target for Leicester City isn’t too hard to believe, with the Foxes making a string of impressive signings from France in recent years.
However, if reports are anything to go by, Botman is more likely to end up at Newcastle rather than Leicester should he leave Lille. As reported by the Atheltic, the Toon have approached the defender in recent weeks.
With the Telegraph adding that Lille would accept £46m for their star defender, Botman will no doubt be a player many clubs are interested in signing during the summer.
Botman UCL display for Lille could attract more suitors
Whilst the night ended in defeat for Lille, Botman’s display was one that caught the eye of neutral supporters. And whilst Lineker joked that Leicester should move for the defender, it is likely that more clubs will be tracking the centre-back after this performance.
Indeed, Botman has been one of Lille’s best players over the past two seasons. And with the French club set to sell the Dutchman this summer, Newcastle could face some strong competition for the defender in the off-season.
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