Manchester United In The Race For £34 Million Central Defender

Sven Botman has had an incredible 21/22 season which has given the Dutch defender options ahead of the upcoming transfer window.

The Dutch defender has impressed many with his step up to Lille and has since found himself an essential part of the first team.

He played a total of 32 games across all competitions last season. After a solid campaign, it is no mystery as to why the Under-21 Dutch international is a sought-after talent for the upcoming transfer window.

Botman has amassed an impressive resume since his youth days at Ajax, which has seen the young Dutchman claim a French Super Cup and League trophy at Lille.

Meanwhile, United have struggled in defence with the form of Harry Maguire and the availability of Raphael Varane two worries for the Red Devils.

At the early age of 22, the defender has proved to be an outstanding centre-back amongst Europe and has the upside to grow even further. 

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Botman’s favoured position, in where he has played his best football, is as a left-sided centre-back. This is partly due to the fact that he is left-footed.

That is a profile which Manchester United currently do not have at the club, a reunion with former boss Erik Ten Hag may be on the cards during the transfer window.

At his youthful age, Botman aligns with the reported rebuild that Manchester United are after. Following the departure of five first-team players since the end of the season.

The Lille defender was in hot pursuit earlier in the January transfer window with Newcastle leading the campaign for the defender's signature.

With AC Milan and Newcastle said to be the teams heavily interested in Sven Botman, a new twist to tale has arrived with credible news outlet DiMarzio confirming Manchester United’s 'strong' interest in the U21 Dutch International. 

The report added that Lille would want a fee of €40-45 million for their player, which is around £34-38m for his services.

United have also looked into other defenders so far this summer, with Pau Torres another that the club have shown an interest in, as well as Joško Gvardiol from RB Leipzig.

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However, United's priorities at the moment are in the central midfield market, as per Laurie Whitwell.

They have been heavily linked with Barcelona's Frenkie de Jong, however the deal has different complications that United will need to overcome if they want to bring the talented Dutchman to the Theatre of Dreams.