Liverpool have been handed a major transfer boost following reports that Tottenham centre-back Micky van de Ven is open to a move to Anfield.
Van de Ven has established himself as a fan favourite for the north London side following his 2023 arrival from Wolfsburg.
The Netherlands international was key in Tottenham’s Europa League success last May as Brennan Johnson’s first half goal proved the difference against Manchester United in Bilbao.
Liverpool did watch Van de Ven closely during his time with the German side but opted against firming up their interest in the Dutchman.
Van de Ven considering his Spurs future
However, the defending Premier League champions may turn their attention to the Spurs star, who has reportedly become disillusioned with life at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
The 24-year-old is said to be considering his future in the capital following an altercation with fans in the midweek 3-2 loss at Bournemouth, and would be open to a move to Anfield.
Arne Slot’s side are in the market for a new centre-back having failed to sign Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace over the summer.
The Reds came close to landing the Eagles skipper on deadline day in September but the move fell through at the 11th hour as Palace failed to sign a replacement.
And Liverpool remain keen on Guehi, who has also attracted interest from Premier League rivals Arsenal and Manchester City.
Additionally, Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich, La Liga trio Barcelona, Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid, and Serie A powerhouse Inter are also monitoring the 25-year-old, who is out of contract at the end of the season and can sign a pre-contract with an overseas side this month.
Liverpool view Van de Ven as Van Dijk successor
Liverpool view Van de Ven as the long-term successor for compatriot Virgil van Dijk at Anfield.
Van Dijk, who put pen to paper on a new Liverpool deal last summer, has 18 months to run on his current contract on Merseyside.
At 34 years of age, Van Dijk is in the twilight years of his career and the Reds need to begin planning for life beyond the centre-back.
Liverpool are not the only side to have been credited with an interest in Van de Ven in recent months, with La Liga giants Real Madrid also believed to be keeping tabs on the Dutch defender.
And Spurs would undoubtedly prefer the chance to sell Van de Ven abroad rather than allow the Wormer-born star to move to a Premier League rival.
Spurs have previously sold Harry Kane, Gareth Bale, Luka Modric and Christian Eriksen to overseas sides despite the quartet, among others, attracting interest from Premier League teams.
Thomas Frank’s side crashed out of the FA Cup on Saturday night as goals from Emiliano Buendia and Morgan Rogers saw Aston Villa claim a 2-1 win at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Next up for Spurs is the welcome of rivals West Ham, who are winless in 10 following their 2-1 loss to Nottingham Forest last week.
The Hammers are in FA Cup action against QPR on Sunday as they look to progress to the next round of the competition.