West Ham are ‘tracking’ Lille defender Sven Botman according to a report from the Evening Standard.
With plans to ‘overhaul’ his squad this summer and central defence seen as an area for needed improvement, David Moyes appears to have been drawn to the 6 foot 4 Dutch colossus described as a “golden boy” by his agent Francesco Miniero.
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The Hammers failed in their attempt to land Marseille’s Duje Caleta-Car in the final days of the January transfer window but could return for the Croatian at the end of the season.
A move for Botman meanwhile, would bring stiff competition with Newcastle and AC Milan said to be interested.
The 22-year-old fits the bill for a left-sided centre-back that Moyes feels is needed to bolster his squad and is ‘among a number of defenders being monitored’ ahead of the summer window.
Dutchman could cement European place
Given his age profile, Botman could stick around the London Stadium for 10-15 years and emerge as a leader amongst this crop of new talent that Moyes has developed.
The Irons have ambitions to compete in Europe season after season and with a towering centre-back in the heart of their defence, it would certainly give them a platform.
The £27m-rated rock ranks in the top 7% among centre-backs in Europe’s top-five leagues and continental competitions for aerials won per 90 (74.6%) over the last year and with three goals to his name this season he would also be another target from Aaron Cresswell’s pinpoint deliveries.
With Lille’s financial issues, GSB aren’t likely to be priced out of a move entirely although it could take close to £50m to secure the services of such an incredible talent.
Nevertheless, with Craig Dawson at 31 and 33-year-old Angelo Ogbonna recovering from an ACL injury, Botman could be a long-term solution for Moyes and a worthy partner for Kurt Zouma as the Irons look to continue to make their mark on the continent.
