Liverpool eye Sven Botman transfer from Lille as Jurgen Klopp adds defender to long list of Van Dijk replacements
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LIVERPOOL are reportedly eyeing Lille defender Sven Botman as a replacement for Virgil van Dijk.
The Reds are in the market for a centre-back in the New Year following the Dutchman's ACL injury he suffered back in October.
Jurgen Klopp is hoping the defender, 29, returns before the end of the season, though he could well miss the remainder of the campaign.
And claim Liverpool's reinforcement could come in the shape of Van Dijk's compatriot Botman.
The report adds that the Merseysiders contacted his agent last month and are set to rival Inter Milan for his signature.
According to , talks between Liverpool and the 20-year-old have not advanced past simple contact.
Lille are said to have slapped a £45million valuation on Botman, but both outlets claim they could be tempted into accepting a £27m offer due to the financial impact of the coronavirus pandemic.
The former Ajax star has cemented his spot at the Ligue 1 side this season, making 22 appearances so far this season to help them to top of the table.
Liverpool are already thought to be in discussions with Lille over another of their players, Renato Sanches, following reports the two clubs have agreed an £18m deal.
The midfielder flopped in the Premier League at Swansea on a season-long loan from Bayern Munich but has since revitalised his career in France.
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But bringing in a new centre-back will most likely remain a priority following long-term injuries to both van Dijk and Joe Gomez.
SunSport previously reported that the Reds had a £19m bid for Sporting Lisbon's 18-year-old starlet Nuno Mendes.
And another of the club's targets Perr Schuurs recently dealt Klopp a blow - by pledging his immediate future to Ajax.