Micky van de Ven: Liverpool in hot pursuit of deal to sign Virgil van Dijk replacement
Micky van de Ven has emerged as a leading target for Liverpool as they aim to land a replacement for Virgil van Dijk, sources have told Football Insider.
The 25-year-old has endured an inconsistent season with Tottenham and there is a growing feeling he could be tempted to leave regardless of their Premier League status.
Van Dijk, 34, is nearing the end of his career at Anfield and while they are in no immediate rush to move him on, long-term options are now being assessed.
As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Transfer Insider podcast, Van de Ven is a leading candidate in their attempts to replace his international teammate.
The addition of a new centre-back is set to be high on Liverpool’s list of transfer priorities this summer, and the Tottenham star’s potential availability has put them on alert.
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Could Liverpool move to sign Micky van de Ven?
Football Insider first revealed in January that Liverpool are targeting Van de Ven amid growing concerns about the long-term future of Van Dijk in their back line.
After what has been a mixed season for the captain at Anfield, his overall downturn in performances from last season’s title-winning campaign could be a worry.
As a result, Liverpool have stepped up efforts to land his replacement, and Van de Ven has emerged as the leading candidate on the left-hand side of the defence.
Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: “It seems that Van de Ven is waiting and sort of mulling over his options right now.
“There’s been a lot of speculation linking him with a move away from Tottenham. He’s obviously put contract talks on the back burner as well.
“Manchester United won’t be the only club who will be keeping tabs on the Dutchman’s situation at Tottenham.
“Liverpool have been linked as well, and they see Van de Ven as a possible long-term successor to Virgil van Dijk, they’re preparing for the future without him.
“Obviously, Van Dijk isn’t going to be around forever, so Liverpool want to be prepared for the day when he does eventually move on.
“There’ll be interest from abroad as there has been in the past. The likes of Barcelona and Real Madrid have also been mentioned as possible suitors for Van de Ven.
“The player himself might be feeling it’s the right time to move on for a new challenge.”
How do Tottenham feel about selling Van de Ven?
After what has been a miserable season for Tottenham, they are hopeful of keeping their best players as they aim to build a new long-term project under Roberto De Zerbi.
The centre-back is under contract in North London until 2029, placing his club in a strong position over his future, and it will likely take a big fee to get him out.
However, Football Insider revealed on 9 May that Tottenham may have to sell Van de Ven after he put talks over a new contract on the backburner.
Spurs had planned to hold talks over an extension to commit his future to the club, but amid suggestions he is unhappy, the Netherlands international has delayed talks.
That has inspired further interest from Liverpool as well as rivals including Man United and Real Madrid, and it move prove difficult for Tottenham to keep hold of him.