Report: Liverpool to revisit interest in Lille defender Sven Botman

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Liverpool are set to revive their interest in Lille defender Sven Botman, according to a report by the Sunday World.

The Reds are in dire straits on the injury front – particularly when it comes to their defensive ranks.

Joel Matip suffered ankle ligament damage last night to join Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez in the treatment room.

Liverpool had maintained that a defender wouldn’t be signed this month, although that could now change.

Fabinho was also ruled out last night, leaving Rhys Williams and Nat Phillips as the only two natural centre-backs.

Matip’s injury looks like being the straw which breaks the camels back, with Liverpool set to enter the market.

It would seem as though Botman is the man firmly in their sights ahead of Monday’s transfer deadline.

The 21-year-old is an ever-present in Christophe Galtier’s team this season and looks set for a bright future.

After coming through the Ajax youth ranks he earned a move to Ligue 1 in July for £7 million.

Botman stands at 6ft 3in tall and is good in the air and on the floor, with his ability to play out from the back a strong attribute of his.

Lille value Botman at around £27 million and it remains to be seen whether Liverpool can strike a deal.

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The beauty of landing Botman is that he fits the profile of a Reds player just nicely.

He is young, capable and still has his best years ahead of him.

Once Virgil van Dijk is fit, he will return the team and then it’s basically a case of who partners him.

Botman would surely relish the chance to prove himself this season to try and earn himself a chance to partner his compatriot next.

Gomez is young as well but the jury has remained out over his capabilities to hold down a long-term place in the team.

The numbers might be relatively high for Botman at the moment and a compromise might need to be reached.

If a deal can be done, however, Liverpool could be making a very shrewd January decision.