LILLE star Sven Botman has admitted he would be “lying” if he claimed Manchester United’s interest doesn’t flatter him.
Botman has stood out in Ligue 1 this season and is one of the driving forces behind the French side’s push for a shock league title over Paris Saint-Germain.
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According to Manchester Evening News, United are prioritising the signing of a top centre-back that will partner up with Harry Maguire in the heart of defence ahead of the summer transfer window.
Real Madrid star Raphael Varane and Villarreal ace Pau Torres top the Red Devils’ wish list and the 21-year-old Dutchman has also been monitored in recent months.
The Ajax academy graduate admits he has always dreamed about playing in the Premier League but insists he remains focused at Lille.
Botman told The Athletic: “It is a good compliment when you hear these clubs are interested. I’m lying if I say it’s not interesting me — it’s the first time such big clubs are linked to me — but it was early days because in January I was only at Lille for half a season.
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“It was nice to hear but I was focusing on Lille and I’m still doing this. After the season I will enjoy a vacation and see what happens next.
“If I’m honest, the Premier League is one of the leagues I dreamed about… but also Serie A, La Liga, the Bundesliga. The Premier League is something special. It’s the football I really like and that fits me.
“The style of play, the emotion; I really like to see the fans with such big emotions in the stands. It is a beautiful competition I really like to watch and did for pretty much all my life.
“I’m not the kind of guy who is already planning for the future. How it’s going with me now, I hope to someday make a good step to a top competition or a big club; that’s my goal.
“But I’m good at the moment with Lille. I’m really enjoying this year, I’m enjoying playing a lot. I learn a lot and I still have to improve a lot. I’m not complaining about my situation right now, I’m happy at the moment.
“For my ambitions, yes, of course I want to achieve as much as possible. I hope to make a big, beautiful step for me. We’ll have to see in the future if that is possible or not.”
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