The shock Liverpool and Tottenham swap deal to secure 'perfect' heir

Liverpool still need to strengthen in one key area of the pitch in particular

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There is still much to be resolved both on and off the pitch for Liverpool this season as we pass the half-way stage of the campaign, with Arne Slot’s side sat by no means comfortably in the top four of the Premier League.

The Reds have drawn an astounding four league matches in a row, six of their last nine, amidst an unbeaten run which is on one level impressive, but on another level beginning to look like a missed opportunity to nail down a Champions League spot.

The likes of Manchester United and Chelsea are closing in after victories over the weekend and both clubs have new managers in the dugout, both of whom have made a winning start. Liverpool’s sluggish 1-1 draw with Burnley on Saturday meant that the defending champions have drawn at home against all three newly-promoted sides this term – the first time that has ever happened in the Premier League era.

Off the pitch, several first-team stars are seeing their contracts running down and Slot may feel that reinforcements are needed.

Liverpool target massive £78m move for Van de Ven

Liverpool have been linked with a stunning move for Tottenham Hotspur defender Micky van de Ven over recent months and speculation has resurfaced as per reports by Fichajes in Spain which were relayed by LiverpoolWorld on Sunday.

A massive £78million offer has been speculated for the Netherlands international, who has shone in a poor Spurs side and may seek a new challenge if Thomas Frank’s side fail to qualify for Europe. That looks to be the likelihood at present with the north London outfit down in 14th place and out of the domestic cup competitions, amidst increasing pressure on the Danish head coach.

Van de Ven was touted as “perfect” for Liverpool by Jason Cundy on talkSPORT and could be the ideal heir to 34-year-old captain Virgil van Dijk which Anfield has been crying out for, with Slot believed to be a massive fan. But with a massive transfer fee quoted and Spurs set to be reluctant to sell their prize asset for any figure, the Lilywhites’ interest in a Liverpool ace could result in a shock swap deal between the two Premier League giants.

Tottenham interest in Reds star could lead to stunning swap deal

Spurs have held a historic interest in Liverpool midfielder Curtis Jones, and their admiration of the Reds academy graduate was brought to the surface over the weekend, as The Times’ Paul Joyce noted that the 24-year-old is entering the final 18 months of his deal at Anfield and may soon face somewhat of a career crossroads.

Jones has earnt a strong run in the side in recent weeks with ten starts in the last eleven matches in all competitions, though doubts persist over his long-term future as a starter when everyone is fit and available. Though the boyhood Reds fan has previously expressed his desire to stay at Anfield for the entirety of his career to emulate hero Steven Gerrard, the reality remains that the six-cap England international could depart to become the main man elsewhere.

Tottenham’s previous interest in Jones could create a unique scenario for Liverpool. The inclusion of the midfielder in a deal for Van de Ven could bring the transfer fee down for one of the Reds’ dream transfer targets, while offering Spurs an incentive to sell to Liverpool over rival suitors such as Real Madrid. A sensational swap deal involving Jones and Van de Ven would certainly steal the headlines around Merseyside, London and beyond if it were to go ahead in 2026.