Manchester United are hijacking AC Milan’s proposed move for Lille centre-back Sven Botman, according to Football Insider.
The Lowdown: Botman profiled
Botman is 22 years of age and has been on the books with Lille since 2020 after leaving Ajax’s academy in a deal worth £7.2m. Since then, the Dutch defender has made 78 appearances for the French side – 31 of which have come in 2021/22.
Labelled as a “golden boy” by agency director Francesco Miniero, Botman has been heavily linked with both Newcastle United and AC Milan in recent months, but it looks as if Erik ten Hag now wants the towering defender at Old Trafford.
The Latest: Source shares update
FI shared a transfer update regarding Botman after being informed by a Manchester United source. They claim that the Red Devils are hijacking Milan’s £25m swoop for Botman, describing it as a ‘sensational twist’.
The report adds that Botman came up in conversation during Ten Hag’s transfer meeting last week, with the United boss a big admirer of the Lille star.
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The Verdict: Get it done
United are in need of a defensive overhaul under Ten Hag after conceding 56 times in 37 games, more than the likes of Burnley and Brentford.
Botman appears to be at the top of his game with a career-high £27m Transfermarkt valuation which has soared in recent years. Milan were reportedly in advanced talks over a deal below Botman’s valuation, so United could take full advantage and get themselves a bargain.
He has excelled in France and has Champions League experience under his belt, and with the likes of Eric Bailly and Phil Jones likely to leave, Ten Hag may have just three senior centre-backs left.
Therefore, Botman could be an ideal addition at a respectable price, and it looks as if United are making their move to pip Milan and Newcastle to the in-demand defender.
In other news: Agreement reached: Man Utd now strike deal for ‘top’ gem who ‘dominates’ on the ball.
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