Report: Liverpool ‘have been calling’ representatives of Sven Botman

Liverpool‘s mission to land a central defender in January seems to have a new prime candidate every day, with Lille star Sven Botman the new flavour of the moment as the transfer window reopens.

Although the Reds sit top of the Premier League, experienced centre-backs are in short supply in Jurgen Klopp’s squad and Duncan Castles believes the club will find a solution this month.

During this week’s The Transfer Window Podcast, Castles revealed that the champions were ‘working on’ a deal to bring Botman to Merseyside.

“What they’re working on according to my information is a deal for a player who’d be significantly cheaper (than Dayot Upamencano) and that’s Sven Botman, who is in first his season at Lille.”

The journalist went one step further, too…

”Lille have very difficult financial difficulties.My understanding is that Lille would be willing to sell the player probably for twice and a little bit more than what they paid Ajax for him in the summer. So you’re looking at a 20-year-old just turning international defender who has fantastic statistical attributes. My information is that they have been calling and speaking to Botman’s agent and that Botman’s agent likes the sound of the conversations.”

Botman has featured in every Ligue 1 game this season for Lille after joining in the summer from Ajax, enjoying an impressive average Sofascore rating of 7.18.

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The quoted ‘twice and a little bit more’ estimated asking price would likely see the Reds being asked to pay between £15-20m for Botman – a potential bargain for someone so young who is already performing in one of Europe’s top leagues.

Standing at just a nudge under 6’4, the Dutchman is a colossal presence who would only benefit from the tutorship of compatriot Virgil van Dijk. The pair could yet form a formidable Oranje defensive partnership for seasons to come.

Liverpool are in dire need of a centre-back to stand the test of time this season, at least, and judging by his early contributions, Botman could fit the bill.