Liverpool are entering a new era at Anfield under Andoni Iraola for next season, and they have now been given a major boost in their bid to sign a top Tottenham Hotspur star.
The Reds have seen Ibrahima Konate and Andy Robertson depart the club at the end of their contract this month, and that means that defensive reinforcements are being eyed as a priority for the transfer window, with Iraola keen to ensure they don't ship more than 50 goals again.
One of the top targets for Liverpool in recent months has been Spurs star Micky Van de Ven, with the centre-back understood to be very keen on making the switch to Merseyside.
Liverpool Get Major Van de Ven Boost
Van de Ven, who has been described as 'world-class', has been expected to depart the north London club after they narrowly avoided relegation for a second consecutive season, with the Netherlands star playing a key role in keeping them in the top flight.
Spurs are also looking to bolster their squad and have already brought in Marcos Senesi and Andy Robertson on a free transfer. Now manager Roberto De Zerbi has made it clear that he is preparing for an exit by getting the club to table a big offer for Brighton star Jan Paul van Hecke.
While the offer was rejected, with Brighton pointing to their £70m valuation, Spurs are confident of getting a deal done and have already agreed personal terms with the Netherlands international.
While there is an expectation that Cristian Romero will leave too, Liverpool's interest in Van de Ven simply cannot be ignored in this situation, and should Tottenham bring in Van Hecke, then it would likely be a major boost to their plans to bring the 25-year-old to Anfield.
Van de Ven Would be a Gamechanging Signing
Liverpool are in desperate need of a new central defender to come in and strengthen the squad after Konate's departure, and they need whoever it is to be ready to make an immediate impact.
Jeremy Jacquet has already agreed a deal to join the club and will arrive to provide competition, while Iraola will be hopeful that young Italian defender Giovanni Leoni can return from his knee injury and continue to be a top prospect.
But with Virgil Van Dijk turning 35 before the season starts, another first-team ready option is needed to ensure standards are maintained, and Van de Ven would be perfect if a deal can be found.