Sports Mole

Tottenham Hotspur have confirmed that Xavi Simons suffered a ruptured ACL in the weekend's victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers and will soon undergo an operation.

The Dutchman fell to the turf in agony in the second half of Saturday's 1-0 Premier League win and had to be stretchered off the Molineux field.

Head coach Roberto De Zerbi confirmed that Simons had sustained a knee injury in his post-game press conference, although he refused to speculate on the severity of his issue immediately afterwards.

However, reports on Sunday evening claimed that Simons had suffered a devastating ACL rupture, and the playmaker announced on Instagram that he would miss the 2026 World Cup.

Simons did not directly confirm that his injury was ACL-related, but Spurs announced in a statement on Monday morning that the Netherlands international had sustained the season-ending issue and will have surgery in the "coming weeks".

Tottenham confirm Xavi Simons ACL injury and surgery

"We can confirm that Xavi Simons has ruptured the Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) in his right knee," Tottenham said in a statement. "The 23-year-old suffered the injury during the second half of our Premier League fixture at Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday.

"Xavi will undergo surgery in the coming weeks and, following that, will then begin his rehabilitation with our medical team. Everyone at Tottenham Hotspur sends Xavi our love and support - we will be with him every step of the way."

Not only will Simons miss the remainder of the Premier League season and the World Cup, but the 23-year-old is likely to sit out the rest of the calendar year before returning in the second half of the 2026-27 campaign.

Simons's first season at Tottenham comes to a premature end with the Dutchman registering five goals and six assists from 41 matches across all competitions, including two strikes and five helpers in the Premier League.

The Netherlands international's setback comes at a time when he was beginning to flourish in De Zerbi's system, producing a fine goal and assist against Brighton & Hove Albion two weekends ago.

Three players Tottenham can sign to replace Xavi Simons

A fully-fit Simons would have likely left Tottenham this summer if Spurs were relegated to the Championship, but his crushing blow means that a move away is surely off the cards.

At the same time, Dejan Kulusevski is still sidelined with a serious knee injury, while James Maddison is only just back from his ACL tear, and Mohammed Kudus is on the mend from a thigh setback.

Whether any of those players would stick around in the event of demotion remains to be seen, and Tottenham cannot finalise transfer plans until their top-flight or second-tier status is confirmed, but a replacement must be sought.

Tottenham Hotspur attacker Xavi Simons has suffered an ACL injury and will miss the rest of the Premier League season.

The Londoners managed to get the better of Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday thanks to Joao Palhinha's 82nd-minute winner.

Spurs did not close the two-point gap to 17th-placed West Ham United due to their victory against Everton, and there are now only four matchweeks remaining.

However, attacking midfielder Simons was stretchered off against Wolves in the second half after appearing to hyperextend his knee.

Journalist Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that Simons has torn his ACL and will now miss the rest of the season, as well as the World Cup.

How many games will Xavi Simons miss after ACL injury?

Boss Roberto De Zerbi now knows that he will not only be without Simons for the remainder of 2025-26, but almost certainly the rest of the year.

A partial tear of the ligament would require up to three months on the sidelines, though Simons's torn ligament will require anywhere from six to 12 months on the treatment table.

XAVI SIMONS PL STATS

Appearances: 28

Starts: 19

Goals: 2

Assists: 5

Manchester City midfielder Rodri suffered an ACL injury in September 2024, and he only returned to the pitch in May 2025, so fans will have to be patient with Simons.

Will Tottenham Hotspur beat West Ham United to survival?

Though the weekend's Premier League action changed nothing in terms of the points deficit that Spurs have to overcome, De Zerbi's side are arguably now in a worse position.

The injury to creator Simons was damaging enough, but striker Dominic Solanke also picked up an issue against Wolves, and their absences will make the two-point gap to West Ham and five-point gap to Nottingham Forest difficult to overhaul.

With games coming against Aston Villa, Leeds United, Chelsea and Everton, Tottenham could experience difficulties in the final third, though it should be noted that James Maddison has returned as an option for De Zerbi.

The playmaker is one of the most creative players in the squad, and if he can find match sharpness, then he may be able to mitigate the loss of Simons and guide Spurs to safety.

Just when a major twist was about to unfold in the Premier League relegation battle, Callum Wilson triggered London Stadium pandemonium for West Ham United.

The Irons were about to drop two points against Everton, while Tottenham Hotspur were in the ascendancy at Wolverhampton Wanderers, thus taking the Lilywhites out of the relegation zone - but for only a matter of minutes.

Wilson's winner in West Ham's 2-1 triumph ensured that the Hammers would maintain their two-point lead over Spurs in the lower reaches of the Premier League table, taking some of the gloss off of Tottenham's first top-flight win of 2026 as the fight to avoid joining Burnley and Wolves in the second tier hots up.

Nottingham Forest are only three points better off than West Ham too, despite pummelling Sunderland 5-0 last time out, so there is still a real risk of the Tricky Trees - who arguably have the toughest run-in - being dragged back into the demotion picture.

With all that in mind, Sports Mole predicts every remaining West Ham, Tottenham and Forest result for the 2025-26 Premier League season, and thus predicting who will be safe and who will be sent down.

Tottenham

Tottenham remaining fixtures 2025-26

May 3: vs. Aston Villa (A)

May 11: vs. Leeds United (H)

May 17: vs. Chelsea (A)

May 24: vs. Everton (H)

Aston Villa vs. Tottenham: Draw

Villa Park has lost its intimidating feel recently, and on the back of the Lions' Europa League semi-final showdown with Nottingham Forest, Tottenham can hold out for a point.

Tottenham vs. Leeds United: Win

Leeds have become a very tough nut to crack since Daniel Farke switched to three at the back and are now unbeaten in six straight Premier League away games, drawing five of them. However, as De Zerbi's methods are starting to bear fruit, Tottenham can earn a rare and precious home win.

Chelsea vs. Tottenham: Defeat

Chaos follows Chelsea wherever they go nowadays, but the Blues have responded well to Calum McFarlane's methods so far and should have too much quality for the Lilywhites.

Tottenham vs. Everton: Win

Everton may or may not still be fighting for European football in gameweek 38, but a Tottenham side likely still scrapping for their lives can finish with a flourish - whether it will be a status-saving flourish remains to be seen.

West Ham

West Ham remaining fixtures 2025-26

May 2: vs. Brentford (A)

May 10: vs. Arsenal (H)

May 17: vs. Newcastle United (A)

May 24: vs. Leeds United (H)

Brentford vs. West Ham: Defeat

Brentford still have a top-seven finish in their sights, and despite garnering a reputation for being stalemate specialists, the Bees have our vote to edge this one.

West Ham vs. Arsenal: Defeat

Even if it is the scrappiest, ugliest 1-0, title-chasing Arsenal are tipped to get the better of the Hammers, on a day where Spurs fans will temporarily put their bitter North London rivalry to one side.

Newcastle vs. West Ham: Defeat

Newcastle's rot must end at some point, and the Magpies gave Arsenal a decent run for their money on April 25, so Eddie Howe's side can deal a devastating blow to the Hammers' hopes of staying up.

West Ham vs. Leeds: Win

Leeds United are not out of the woods yet, but they would have likely secured their safety before the final gameweek trip to London; West Ham can take advantage of the Whites putting their feet up to claim a potentially critical triumph.

Nottingham Forest

Nottingham Forest remaining fixtures 2025-26

May 4: vs. Chelsea (A)

May 10: vs. Newcastle United (H)

May 17: vs. Manchester United (A)

May 24: vs. Bournemouth (H)

Chelsea vs. Nottingham Forest: Defeat

The new manager bounce may not have worn off for Chelsea by the time Forest visit Stamford Bridge, and McFarlane's men can therefore bring the fatigued Tricky Trees crashing back down to earth, so long as they do not do a Sunderland.

Nottingham Forest vs. Newcastle: Draw

Forest would be celebrating Europa League final progression or commiserating their chances of continental glory by the time they take on Newcastle, who should benefit from their hosts' hangover to claim a draw.

Manchester United vs. Nottingham Forest: Defeat

One of the toughest assignments in the Premier League right now, Michael Carrick's rejuvenated and resilient Manchester United are backed to overcome Forest without too much trouble.

Nottingham Forest vs. Bournemouth: Draw

Not since 2025 have Bournemouth lost a Premier League away game, and in Andoni Iraola's final act, the Cherries can consign Forest - albeit a well-rested Forest - to a winless end to the season.

Premier League relegation battle prediction

Final Premier League standings (predicted)

If our predictions ring true, Tottenham's perpetual Premier League status will be safe, and the Lilywhites will finish level on points with Nottingham Forest - to be separated by goal difference.

However, West Ham United's trio of consecutive defeats would prove fatal in their survival fight, as the Irons drop down to the second tier for the first time in 15 years.

Tottenham Hotspur head coach Roberto De Zerbi suggested four alternative solutions to his team as he delivered updates on the injuries Dominic Solanke and Xavi Simons sustained against Wolverhampton Wanderers.

The Lilywhites finally ended their agonising wait for a first Premier League win of 2026 at Molineux, as Joao Palhinha's late effort sealed a 1-0 victory over the Championship-bound Old Gold.

However, the afternoon was bittersweet for Tottenham, as West Ham United's dramatic triumph over Everton kept De Zerbi's men two points below the Irons in 18th place in the Premier League table.

To make matters worse for the North London club, Solanke was substituted with an apparent hamstring injury in the first half, before Simons was stretchered off with a knee problem in the second.

Speaking to the media after the game - as quoted by football.london - De Zerbi expressed optimism over Solanke's prognosis, while also revealing that Simons was already "feeling better" but still admitting to some concern over the Dutchman.

Roberto De Zerbi optimistic on Dominic Solanke, Xavi Simons injuries

"For Xavi it is a problem of his knee," De Zerbi said. "We go to see in the next days. Monday or Tuesday. He felt pain. Now I spoke to him two, three minutes ago. He feels better than the beginning of the injury.

"For Solanke it is not a big problem. I don’t know how many games we lose him but I would like to know the situation with Xavi because the knee is always different than the muscular injury."

However, the Italian was also keen to highlight his alternative options, insisting that Mathys Tel, Randal Kolo Muani, Souza and even Lucas Bergvall could function out wide.

"We can play with Mathys Tel on the left. Kolo Muani on the right. Souza on the right. Bergvall on the left," De Zerbi added. "We have to create. I don’t want to change too much (like) three defenders or four defenders.

"I don’t want to put more confusion on the players, especially this season because they changed a lot of tactical disposition. I want to be clear and simple but for your question, we need to stay strong in the head and positive in ourselves."

How can Tottenham line up without Xavi Simons, Dominic Solanke?

Souza on the right, Bergvall on the left and either Richarlison or Kolo Muani through the middle - a viable solution in De Zerbi's eyes - would be up there with one of the strangest attacking combinations from Tottenham in the Premier League era.

However, a more natural solution would be to deploy Kolo Muani through the centre, Tel on the right and Richarlison on the left, although Spurs would then be bereft of attacking options on the bench with Dejan Kulusevski, Mohammed Kudus and Wilson Odobert still out.

Alternatively, James Maddison could be pressed back into action quicker than expected, but Tottenham will not take any chances with the Englishman's fitness so soon after his return to matchday squads.

Regardless, De Zerbi will have to get creative when Tottenham continue their fight against the drop with a daunting trip to Aston Villa next Sunday.

Tottenham Hotspur have suffered an all-too familiar injury blow in their Premier League clash with Wolverhampton Wanderers, as Dominic Solanke had to be withdrawn with an apparent leg problem.

The 28-year-old started in an unchanged attack for the Lilywhites at Molineux, joining Randal Kolo Muani and Xavi Simons in the final third against the already-relegated Old Gold.

Roberto De Zerbi's men sought to build on their positive display from last weekend's 2-2 draw with Brighton & Hove Albion, and claim the victory that could have potentially taken them out of the Premier League relegation zone.

However, Spurs experienced 45 minutes of frustration in the first half, and things took a turn for the worse for the visitors when Solanke picked up yet another injury shortly before half time.

The England international appeared to have hurt his hamstring, having needed treatment on the back of his leg, and he was taken off to be replaced by Richarlison in the 40th minute.

Which Tottenham games could Dominic Solanke miss through injury?

Tottenham remaining fixtures 2025-26

May 3: vs. Aston Villa (A)

May 11: vs. Leeds United (H)

May 17: vs. Chelsea (A)

May 24: vs. Everton (H)

If Solanke has indeed suffered a hamstring problem as suspected, the striker would likely miss a minimum of two weeks, as even minor Grade 1 strains can take a fortnight to heal.

As a result, Tottenham are likely to be without Solanke for their upcoming trip to Aston Villa on May 3, as well as the crunch bottom-half battle against Leeds United at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on May 11.

A more serious Grade 2 or Grade 3 issue for Solanke - the former being a partial tear and the latter being a complete muscular rupture - would likely rule the attacker out for the rest of the campaign.

Solanke would therefore sit out Tottenham's final two games of the campaign; the London derby away to Chelsea on May 17, and the home battle against Everton on May 24.

Tottenham have major Dominic Solanke problem Roberto De Zerbi cannot ignore

Tottenham paid a club-record fee to bring Solanke to the club from Bournemouth in 2024, and the striker's continental impact in particular last year was crucial to Spurs' Europa League success.

Solanke registered nine goal involvements in 13 Europa League games en route to glory - including strikes in both semi-final legs against Bodo/Glimt - but he has experienced a personal fall from grace alongside his Tottenham teammates this term.

Solanke has been restricted to six goals from 20 games due to his ankle operation, and he has already missed 48 matches for club and country through injury since joining Spurs two years ago.

That number will certainly increase following his issue today, and De Zerbi could do worse than scope out an alternative to the £65m attacker, whose fitness issues are now becoming a major problem.

Tottenham cannot firm up transfer plans until they know what division they will be playing in next season, though, and there is every chance that Solanke will stick around in the Championship if the worst should happen.

Today's Premier League predictions include Arsenal's intriguing showdown with Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur's crucial basement battle with Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Fulham vs. Aston Villa (Saturday, 12.30pm)

Saturday lunchtime’s Premier League offering comes from Craven Cottage, as European hopefuls Fulham play host to fourth-placed Aston Villa.

The Lions are looking to complete their third successive league double over the Cottagers, after claiming a 3-1 victory in the reverse fixture at Villa Park in September last year.

We say: Fulham 1-2 Aston Villa

Considering the recent form of both teams and Aston Villa’s dominant head-to-head record over Fulham in the last few years, the visitors will be regarded as favourites to climb maximum points this weekend.

The Cottagers have lost their clinical touch in the final third and we are backing a Watkins-inspired Villa outfit to strengthen their position in the top five with a victory in West London.

> Click here to read our full preview for Fulham vs. Aston Villa, including team news and predicted lineups

Wolves vs. Tottenham (Saturday, 3pm)

Molineux is the place to be for Saturday's blockbuster basement battle in the Premier League, as already-relegated Wolverhampton Wanderers host increasingly-threatened Tottenham Hotspur.

The Old Gold's inevitable demotion to the second tier was confirmed on Monday night, although Roberto De Zerbi's Spurs are showing fleeting signs of an escape from the drop zone.

We say: Wolverhampton Wanderers 2-3 Tottenham Hotspur

With the prospect of a great revival now dead in the water, Wolves should play with the shackles off, especially if Edwards is forced into a more attacking formation given his defensive concerns.

The neutrals could be in for an exciting watch as a result, but as Spurs' injury crisis eases and the likes of Simons adapt to his methods, that long-awaited first Premier League win of 2026 could finally arrive.

> Click here to read our full preview for Wolves vs. Tottenham, including team news and predicted lineups

West Ham vs. Everton (Saturday, 3pm)

David Moyes will come up against his former club when he takes his European-chasing Everton side to the London Stadium to face survival hopefuls West Ham United in the Premier League on Saturday.

Neither team could be separated in the reverse fixture at the Hill Dickinson Stadium seven months ago, with Jarrod Bowen cancelling out a Michael Keane opener in a 1-1 draw.

We say: West Ham United 1-1 Everton

Each of the last three Premier League meetings between West Ham and Everton have ended as a draw, and another closely-contested battle could in store in the capital.

The Hammers have made themselves difficult to beat on home soil in recent weeks and they may frustrate a Toffees outfit, boasting a strong away record, en route to claiming a valuable point in their bid to avoid the drop.

> Click here to read our full preview for West Ham vs. Everton, including team news and predicted lineups

Liverpool vs. Crystal Palace (Saturday, 3pm)

Firmly in the driving seat for Champions League football in 2026-27, Arne Slot's rejuvenated Liverpool host an increasingly resilient Crystal Palace at Anfield on Saturday.

The reigning Premier League champions claimed the Merseyside derby bragging rights last weekend, while the Eagles prolonged their steady unbeaten run in a 0-0 draw with West Ham United.

We say: Liverpool 2-1 Crystal Palace

If a last-minute derby winner does not do wonders for Liverpool's morale, nothing will, and the Reds have been looking a bit more like themselves in the Premier League of late despite their UCL disappointments.

As such, Palace's recent stronghold over Slot's side should count for nothing on Saturday, where Liverpool should maintain their iron grip on a Champions League spot with a gritty victory.

> Click here to read our full preview for Liverpool vs. Crystal Palace, including team news and predicted lineups

Arsenal vs. Newcastle (Saturday, 5.30pm)

Back in the all-too familiar silver-medal position in the Premier League table, Arsenal can swiftly regain top spot when they host Newcastle United at the Emirates on Saturday evening.

The Gunners are at risk of losing three straight top-flight games for the first time in four years, a fate that befell the Magpies in last weekend's home horror show.

We say: Arsenal 2-1 Newcastle United

Amid all of Newcastle's problems, attacking success has been a constant; the visitors have scored in 18 consecutive games in all tournaments and each of their last 10 away from home.

An increasingly shaky Arsenal side should therefore not emerge unscathed, but with Newcastle's defending also leaving much to be desired, we have faith in the Gunners to stop the rot and climb back to the summit.

Wolverhampton Wanderers take on Tottenham Hotspur in a fascinating Premier League basement battle on Saturday, and here, Sports Mole experts deliver their take on the game.

Ben Knapton, Site Coordinator: "Xavi Simons could be absolutely huge"

I don't think you could have had a more heartbreaking way to lose two points than what happened [against Brighton & Hove Albion], but I don't think the negatives fully override the positives in that one. I don't think I'm going out on a limb here saying that was one of Spurs' best overall displays of the entire season in the Premier League.

"They've had semi-success in the Champions League, but in terms of the Premier League, that was a really, promising display from them. And in particular, Xavi Simons. He had a really tough adaptation to English football and when you look at number 10s, the likes of De Bruyne, Odegaard, a bit more physical than Xavi Simons.

Maybe he's not cut out to be that lone number 10, but drifting inside from the left and curling in a shot or a cross, he's proven that he's brilliant at that. If Roberto De Zerbi profiles him correctly, he could be absolutely huge.

And you saw the passion from him as well, both in the delight and devastation sense. He scored that brilliant curler, ran to the crowd, having the time of his life it seemed. And then at full time he was in a strop, as were all the Spurs players.

West Ham play at the same time this weekend, so Spurs will go out of the relegation zone with a win if West Ham drop points against Everton. There were promising signs at Brighton overall, but of promising signs don't put the points on the board, what's the point of them?

Matt Law, Football Editor: "The Tottenham players do care"

This is a game they would be expected to win against the team already relegated. If there is any game Tottenham would expect to win at the moment.

I saw more in that Brighton draw than I have for a long time. And for the first time, I saw the signs that they might be able to get themselves out of this. The players showed passion, the players showed that they really care about this. The celebrations, the devastation, they actually did show that they do really care about the fate of this team, which has been called into question for a lot of this calendar year so far.

We're all real football fans here and we've all been through that. There is nothing like football in the world that can do that to you. Those emotions that you go through when you've scored and you think you're going to pick up a big three points, and then you just get that sucker punch at the last minute.

You're so deflated, but you have to reset and you have to go again. I think the fact this is away for Tottenham is a big thing - their away record this season isn't actually that bad. The fact that they're now coming away from the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, I think will help them.

I'm still wrestling with the idea about whether Tottenham go down or not, and I keep saying no. But then you're thinking Forest have pulled a little bit clear - I think it's going to be between Tottenham and West Ham, and I just have a feeling that Tottenham will stay up.

They have to win. Whatever happens in terms of performance, they just have to get over the line in this game. Wolves, nothing to lose, but they'll be keen to finish on a relative high.

Oliver Thomas, Senior Reporter: "Can you call it an upset against Tottenham?"

For Spurs, it is a must win. Wolves could just play without pressure, but they should aim to try and at least finish off the bottom of the table, try and climb above Burnley.

Rob Edwards has done reasonably well in charge since he's come in, and I assume he'll stay in charge, try and rebuild the squad capable of challenging for promotion from the Championship.

Goals have been hard to come by for Wolves. They've failed to score in 17 Premier League games this season for the first time since the 2009-10 season, so they could do with getting some goals if they are to win any games.

Spurs have got a lot to fight for, but Wolves are unbeaten in their last six Premier League games against Spurs. I don't know if it could be called an upset against Spurs at the moment - they are below them in the table, but Wolves have maybe got a chance of getting something from this game now that they've got no pressure on them.

Already relegated hosts possibly soon-to-be relegated at Molineux on Saturday, where Wolverhampton Wanderers and Tottenham Hotspur collide in Premier League gameweek 34.

The Old Gold's demotion to the second tier was confirmed when West Ham United drew with Crystal Palace on Monday night, two days after Spurs' gut-wrenching 2-2 stalemate with Brighton & Hove Albion, and here Sports Mole rounds up the team news for both clubs.

WOLVES vs. TOTTENHAM

WOLVES

Out: Enso Gonzalez (knee), Sam Johnstone (shoulder), Yerson Mosquera (suspended)

Doubtful: Angel Gomes (toe), Ladislav Krejci (neck), Jose Sa (shoulder), Matt Doherty (knock)

Sports Mole's predicted XI: Bentley; Tchatchoua, Toti, S. Bueno, H. Bueno; J. Gomes, Andre, Mane; Bellegarde, Armstrong, Hwang

TOTTENHAM

Out: Guglielmo Vicario (hernia), Mohammed Kudus (thigh), Ben Davies (ankle), Dejan Kulusevski (knee), Cristian Romero (knee), Wilson Odobert (knee)

Doubtful: Destiny Udogie (unspecified)

Wolverhampton Wanderers will be bidding to extend a 43-year streak when they play host to Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday afternoon.

Earlier this week, it was confirmed that Wolves, who have been bottom of the Premier League table since the third weekend of the season, would be playing Championship football in 2026-27.

Rob Edwards and the club's recruitment team are now putting plans in place for the summer transfer market, with two Championship players said to be on their radar.

However, sitting three points adrift of 19th-placed Burnley and having a game in hand, Wolves' target is to avoid ending the campaign in last spot.

That will remain a realistic possibility if they can avoid ending a 43-year streak at home to relegation-threatened Spurs at Molineux.

Wolves looking to avoid club-first since 1983

After more than three weeks without a game, Wolves have returned to action with heavy defeats to West Ham United and Leeds United.

Wolves lost 4-0 to the Hammers at the London Stadium, before going down by a 3-0 scoreline at Elland Road last week.

As such, Wolves are bidding to avoid losing by 3+ goals in three successive top-flight fixtures for the first time since 1983.

When taking EFL matches into account, Wolves last achieved that unwanted feat when losing three times in the Championship in November 2014.

Edwards and his side will be encouraged by the fact that Spurs have failed to win a Premier League game on the last five occasions where they have taken a one-goal lead.

Furthermore, Edwards' biggest-ever win in the Premier League came against De Zerbi's Brighton side, with Luton Town winning 4-0 on that occasion.

Wolves vs. Tottenham Premier League match preview | The Spurs player do care

Tottenham Hotspur could be bracing themselves for a major summer clear-out as their season hangs in the balance.

Several key players are attracting interest, with Europe’s top clubs monitoring developments closely.

And one of their biggest defensive assets already appears to have a clear preference if he moves.

Man Utd and Liverpool keen on signing Micky van de Ven this summer

Both Manchester United and Liverpool are keeping a close eye on Micky van de Ven ahead of the summer transfer window.

The Tottenham Hotspur centre-back is widely viewed as one of the Premier League’s most promising defenders, and interest is growing as uncertainty surrounds Spurs’ future.

A potential relegation would almost certainly trigger a mass exodus, with Van de Ven and defensive partner Cristian Romero among those expected to attract significant bids.

Tottenham signed the Dutchman for £43 million in 2023, but his value has since skyrocketed, with a potential sale now likely to command close to £100 million.

Micky van de Ven summer transfer preference revealed

Despite strong interest from multiple clubs, Van de Ven is believed to favour a move to Liverpool over Manchester United if given the choice, according to transfer expert Ben Jacobs on The United Stand.

That stance is seen as a major boost for the Reds and a blow to any rival suitors.

The appeal is clear as a switch to Anfield would offer the chance to link up with compatriot Virgil van Dijk, while also joining a club that aligns closely with both the player and his family’s preferences.

Liverpool are actively exploring defensive reinforcements, and if they formally enter the race, they would be expected to move into a strong position quickly.

For United, meanwhile, interest remains at the monitoring stage, with no formal approach made to either Tottenham or the player’s camp.

Will Micky van de Ven leave Spurs?

Much will depend on Tottenham’s fate this season.

If Roberto De Zerbi is unable to steer Spurs to safety, then Van de Ven’s departure looks almost inevitable as top clubs circle.

Even if relegation is avoided, the situation remains uncertain.

Romero is still widely expected to leave, and while De Zerbi’s arrival may improve Spurs' chances of keeping Van de Ven, a major offer could still test their resolve.

Given his rising reputation and the level of interest, this feels like a situation that is heading towards a decisive moment, especially if Liverpool choose to turn their interest into concrete action.