According to Foot Mercato, Liverpool have already made contact with the representatives of Lille defender Sven Botman.
It’s claimed that Liverpool initiated contact for Botman in November, in the hope of teeing up a January deal for the Dutchman.
Liverpool were allegedly prepared to pay €50million (£45million) for Botman, before learning that Lille are struggling financially in light of the French TV deal collapse last week.
That means Botman can now go for just €30million (£27million), though Inter Milan have joined the race to sign him.
Olivier Letang claims Lille have no need to sell, but their stance could well be tested if Liverpool firm up their interest in Botman.
The 20-year-old only joined Lille from Ajax over the summer, but already finds himself a wanted man having made a strong start to life in France.
Botman is a huge presence at 6ft 4in tall, but has also shown that he is no slouch and can even play out from the back, with his ability as a left-footer no doubt appealing.
Botman would present Liverpool with that added balance at the back whilst being a top prospect to develop over the coming years, fitting the bill for Michael Edwards – so that alleged contact is no great shock ahead of the January transfer window.
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