Tottenham have reportedly set a surprise price tag for the sale of star defender Micky van de Ven as Real Madrid plan a January move for the defender.
Tottenham set for busy January transfer window
Under-fire boss Thomas Frank has already confirmed the club's intention to be active in recruitment next month, with the race heating up for Bournemouth star Antoine Semenyo.
Tottenham are reportedly prepared to shatter their wage structure in pursuit of Semenyo when the January window explodes into life.
The Ghanaian's £65 million release clause activates on New Year's Day, and the north London club have emerged as one of the most aggressive suitors for his signature, according to recent reports.
Frank views the 25-year-old winger as absolutely essential to transforming Spurs' stuttering attack, with media sources claiming Tottenham are willing to make Semenyo their highest-paid player to win the race against Liverpool, Man City and Man United.
David Ornstein revealed this week that Spurs maintain genuine interest in the Bournemouth star alongside City's Savinho as alternative options for wide attacking reinforcements.
The club will have funds available if the right profile emerges, with January viewed as an opportunity rather than a luxury, according to credible reports.
Semenyo's release clause carries a time-limited activation period early next month, specifically until January 10, before dropping closer to £50 million next summer — creating intense urgency among competing clubs.
Bournemouth, meanwhile, have reportedly accepted his departure is inevitable and are already identifying replacements, including Tottenham's Brennan Johnson.
Right now, Janaury reports at Tottenham centre around their potential deal for Semenyo as Frank's side try to inject some much-needed dynamism and creativity into their forward line.
Their first transfer window post-Daniel Levy carries plenty of intrigue, with the Lewis family undoubtedly keen to make a statement after plenty of boardroom changes in the last few months.
Therefore, this latest report from Spain on van de Ven and Real comes as all the more surprising.
Tottenham set bizarre Micky van de Ven price as Real Madrid circle
According to Spanish media sources, Xabi Alonso's side are plotting a January deal for the Dutchman, who has marked himself out as one of the Lilywhites' most crucial players this season.
Van de Ven's stunning solo goal against FC Copenhagen, which drew comparisons to Son Heung-min's Puskas winner against Burnley in 2019, is merely the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the centre-back's contribution this season.
The 24-year-old has been a key man for both Ange Postecoglou and Frank, but it is now claimed that Spurs have set a £44 million 'asking price' for van de Ven as Real circle this winter.
It's safe to say that, regardless of the Bernabeu being an obvious temptation for any player, this should be taken with a pinch of salt.
Van de Ven is only an ever-present leader for Tottenham, but his contract also doesn't expire until 2029, meaning the club are in a very strong position to demand big money for one of the Premier League's most elite centre-backs.
Spurs are also believed to be readying talks over a new van de Ven contract which would double his salary, even if club legend Glenn Hoddle believes he won't sign it.
"They are looking to sign him now on a long contract," Hoddle told Capital Football recently.
"I don’t think he will sign.
"But he’s still got three years on his contract. I think they will wanna try and keep him because he is a world-class performer and probably the only one that we have who is world-class.
"When I say world-class I mean he’d get into any team, he could go into Man City, Liverpool…you name it Barcelona, Paris Saint Germain… everyone would want him because he’s that good.
"But they need to improve this season there’s no doubt about it… otherwise we will be mid-table."
Even if van de Ven being tempted away is a genuine possibility at some point in the future, if Spurs don't improve, it certainly can't be for just £44 million.