Reports: Milan targeting 21-year-old Lille star as defensive reinforcement

AC Milan are interested in signing Lille defender Sven Botman as cover for Simon Kjaer as well as a long-term option for the future, a report claims.

According to the latest from MilanLive, Paolo Maldini and Ricky Massara are watching and observing a player who plays in Ligue 1 – something which certainly sounds familiar – and it is Botman of Lille. Milan have completed previous operations with Les Dogues such as the Rafael Leao and Mike Maignan deals, while Renato Sanches has been linked too.

The 21-year-old Botman has racked up 10 appearances in Ligue 1 this season and at 1.95m he is certainly an imposing physical presence, having come through the Ajax youth sector while being labelled the “new De Ligt” and being a crucial part of Lille’s title-winning side of last season.

Calciostyle are also reporting that Milan have an interest in signing the Dutchman as a needed reinforcement but also a potential long-term partner for Fikayo Tomori.