Lille president Olivier Letang has admitted that the Ligue 1 club are open to offers for rumoured Tottenham target Sven Botman in the summer but insisted the centre-back deserves to play for one of the best teams in Europe.
Tottenham are expected to prioritise signing a left-sided centre-back in the summer transfer window, with The Telegraph revealing last week that Botman is at the top of the club’s wishlist.
The report added that the North London club could face competition from the likes of Newcastle United and AC Milan for the Netherlands international.
According to The Athletic, Botman was Newcastle’s first choice target during the January transfer window, with the Magpies having multiple offers for the 22-year-old turned down by Lille.
The report asserts that the centre-back was keen on a move to St James’ Park last month and that Eddie Howe’s side could make another assault for him in the summer.
Letang has now stressed that Botman deserves to play for a club that is capable of winning the Champions League.
The Lille president told Le Parisien about the centre-back’s future: “Sven already had opportunities to leave last summer.
MORE SPURS STORIES
“I told him that he wouldn’t leave and that we would discuss it again at the end of the season.
“He’s a great person and a top player who deserves to play in a club that can win the Champions League.”
“If there’s something which allows everyone to be satisfied next summer, we will discuss it. It’s important to stick to your commitments.”
Spurs Web Opinion
While Spurs would have more pulling power than Newcastle, one would expect there to be plenty of competition from Botman in the summer.
With Chelsea potentially set to lose both Christensen and Rudiger (ESPN), they could well be in for the Dutchman. Manchester United might also make a move for the 22-year-old given their defensive owes.
I suspect it will be difficult to pull off a deal for Botman unless we manage to get back into the Champions League.
Keep up to date with all the latest Tottenham news and opinion by following SpursWeb’s Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts.
