Report: Spurs ‘determined’ to land defender ahead of Newcastle who Conte has demanded
Tottenham Hotspur are intent on beating Newcastle United to sign Lille centre-back Sven Botman this summer, according to the Daily Star.
The report claims that Spurs head coach Antonio Conte has given his approval to bring the 22-year-old to north London and the club are keen to secure his services in order to satisfy the demands of the Italian.
Conte is said to be demanding that Botman, who is a left footed central defender is one of his priorities as part of his overhaul of the squad.
The position is currently occupied by Ben Davies, with the Welshman at times being guilty of defensive errors which was witnessed recently in the defeat against Wolves.
Daniel Levy is said to be under some pressure to get a £30million deal over the line for the Dutchman in an effort to limit Newcastle’s ability to steal in and take him to Tyneside.
Botman was heavily linked with a move to the cash-rich Premier League strugglers during the January transfer window, however, a deal failed to materialise.
Newcastle co-owner Amanda Staveley revealed in an interview with The Athletic that Botman ‘desperately wanted to come’ to St James’ Park but found Lille unwilling to enter into talks.
The Daily Star claim that the Magpies are still considered to be favourites to land Botman if they are able to retain their top flight status this season, however, Spurs are prepared to battle to get their man as part of their efforts to persuade Conte that they have the ambition to compete at the top of the table.
SpursWeb Opinion
Ben Davies is a good squad player but his lack of pace makes him susceptible when playing as a central defender, Botman’s does have enough speed enough to deal with loose balls and recover when required and would compliment Cristian Rodrigo and Eric Dier at the heart of the defence.
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