Manchester United are reportedly weighing up a move for Tottenham star Micky van de Ven, who's also said to be a target for Liverpool during the summer transfer window
Liverpool would be Micky van de Ven's preferred destination if he leaves Tottenham, despite interest from Manchester United. Van de Ven, 25, is considering his future after three years with Spurs, who are fighting to avoid a shock relegation to the Championship.
The Netherlands international made a good first impression when he arrived from German side Wolfsburg for £43million. His pace and ball-playing ability with his left foot quickly made him one of the most coveted centre-backs in the Premier League, although a series of hamstring injuries blighted his second season.
Van de Ven has only missed one game through injury this term, Tottenham's worst campaign in recent history, and he remains a top target for some of England's elite clubs. But in bad news for United, Van de Ven would turn down a move to Old Trafford if a switch to Liverpool was also on the table, according to talkSPORT.
A departure from Spurs isn't guaranteed, though. It's added that if Roberto De Zerbi's side avoid relegation, Van de Ven could extend his stay in north London, especially if Tottenham sell captain Cristian Romero, who's been linked with Atletico Madrid.
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Both United and Liverpool are expected to be in the market for central defenders. United's current crisis at centre-back has highlighted concerns over squad depth as they prepare to return to playing European football next season.
Matthijs de Ligt has been sidelined since November while Lisandro Martinez and Harry Maguire are also prone to injuries. For Liverpool, it's a similar situation.
Ibrahima Konate is out of contract at the end of this season, although he's expected to sign a new deal, while summer signing Giovanni Leoni has only made one appearance to due a serious knee injury. Their only other recognised centre-backs, Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez, sees their contracts expire in 2027.
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Liverpool have already signed two centre-backs ahead of the summer - 20-year-old Jeremy Jacquet from Rennes and Austria Wien starlet Ifeanyi Ndukwe, who's 18. But Arne Slot may want a more senior figure who can be Van Dijk's successor.
As for United, they'll need to decide how much to spend on a defender, with Van de Ven likely to cost in excess of what Tottenham paid for him in 2023. The Red Devils are set on buying at least one midfielder while they also want to sign an experienced striker and potentially a new backup goalkeeper.