As per reliable reporter Mike McGrath of The Telegraph, Tottenham Hotspur managing director Fabio Paratici has eyes for a new summer transfer target in Lille star Sven Botman.
The Lowdown: Lack-lustre January…
After missing out on top targets in both Adama Traore and Luis Diaz, with the moves eventually being hijacked, Spurs ended the winter market with two fresh faces.
Both Dejan Kulusevski and Rodrigo Bentancur were signed from Paratici’s former club Juventus at the end of the window, followed by a plethora of Spurs outgoings.
Tottenham have been tipped to raid the summer market as they aim to back manager Antonio Conte and make up for their arguably lack-lustre January.
The Latest: Paratici now wants Botman…
As per The Telegraph, Conte is set to target new defenders later this year as Paratici gets to work identifying targets.
It is believed that Botman, who was a top target for Newcastle last month, is now on the Italian transfer chief’s agenda alongside the likes of Inter Milan’s Alessandro Bastoni and RB Leipzig’s Josko Gvardiol.
Lille apparently value Botman at around €55 million (£46m) and it is expected that many clubs will enter the summer transfer race.
The Verdict: Get it done…
The 22-year-old would be a huge signing for Spurs if they can get it done in the summer, especially going by his age, quality and top level experience.
An ‘an established Champions League player’ already, as explained by pundit Noel Whelan, £46m is arguably a small price to pay for the defender who has even earned comparisons to Virgil van Dijk.
Botman has also averaged more clearances per 90 (4.9) than any Spurs player with over one start in the Premier League this season (WhoScored) – highlighting just how colossal the 6 foot 3 ace could be under Conte.
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