Micky van de Ven is refusing to sign a new Tottenham Hotspur contract until a new ‘elite’ manager replaces Thomas Frank, according to journalist Deal Jones.
The Dutch defende is believed to have delayed talks over a new deal amid Spurs’ dismal season under Frank, with the club lingering in 14th place in the Premier League.
Jones claims Van de Ven could be tempted by interest from rival clubs after the season, with Liverpool credited with genuine admiration for the 24-year-old, while Real Madrid are also keeping an eye on the situation.
Frank’s future at Spurs has been the subject of speculation in recent weeks, but the Dane is expected to remain in charge for their Champions League clash with Borussia Dortmund on Tuesday.
Tottenham Risk Losing Micky van de Ven
According to Jones, Tottenham face losing Van de Ven if their campaign is not salvaged, as he has been unconvinced by the project under Frank so far:
“Tottenham risk seeing their fears of losing Van de Ven intensify unless a new elite manager is in place by next summer.
“The Dutch defender has not yet agreed a new deal and is believed to have delayed the issue while Thomas Frank has been in charge.
“He has been one of the few players to show spells of consistency and decent form this season, but Tottenham face losing him if their season is not salvaged as he has been unconvinced by the project.”
Spurs are believed to have started drawing up potential replacements for Frank in recent weeks amid their disappointing domestic campaign.
The Lilywhites were knocked out of the FA Cup earlier this month and have failed to win their last five games across all competitions.
GIVEMESPORT Key Statistic: Frank’s Premier League average points-per-game record of 1.23 is the worst of Spurs’ last eight managers.
Since the start of November, Frank’s side have picked up just two wins in the Premier League from 13 matches, beating his former club Brentford and Crystal Palace.
Spurs Facing Van de Ven Crisis?
With Van de Ven’s £112,000-a-week contract running until June 2029, Spurs are still in a strong negotiating position if any clubs end up calling for the Dutch defender after the season.
However, his reported reluctance to pen a new deal could raise concerns in north London, particularly considering he has been one of the most consistent players this season.
The 24-year-old has six goals from 29 appearances in all competitions, ranking second only to Richarlison, who has eight – a remarkable return for a centre-back.
Spurs will get a sense of how their defence may look without Van de Ven on Tuesday, with the defender set to miss the Borussia Dortmund game through suspension.