Botman was wanted at Newcastle in the winter transfer window but Lille decided against letting the Dutch defender leave.
The centre-back is expected to be a big target for Newcastle in the summer if they survive in the Premier League and Tottenham are also believed to be interested in signing him.
Cole, who played for Lille during his playing days, insisted that the physical nature of Ligue 1 is very close to the kind of football that is played in the Premier League.
He feels the reason Botman is so wanted in England is because playing in France has prepared him for the physicality of the Premier League.
The former midfielder told French sports daily L’Equipe: “In my opinion, Ligue 1 is very close to the Premier League in terms of physicality.
“If a defender shines in France, there is no reason why this should not be the case in England.
“That’s why Sven Botman is of interest to so many Premier League clubs today, there is little doubt about his adaptability.”
Botman is reportedly prioritising a move to Italy with AC Milan, who have been heavily courting him for several months.
