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Tottenham Hotspur are out of the relegation zone after beating Aston Villa in the Premier League last weekend, but only lead West Ham United by one point with three games to go until the end of the season.

While their relegation threat is not as much now as it was some weeks back, the club might struggle to keep hold of some of its key players and Micky van de Ven, arguably their best performer this year, could be on his way out.

Caught Offside has reported that Liverpool and Manchester United are interested in signing Van de Ven from Tottenham, with the player preferring a transfer to Anfield over Old Trafford.

Van de Ven is valued at £56 million on Transfermarkt, though his asking price is expected to be significantly higher if Spurs manage to survive in the Premier League.

Van de Ven the perfect replacement for Van Dijk

The reason behind Micky van de Ven’s preference towards joining Liverpool over Manchester United is not known yet, but from the Reds’ perspective, the Tottenham Hotspur defender is the ideal long-term replacement for his compatriot, Virgil van Dijk.

He has an imposing presence at the back, thanks to a strong physical prowess, intelligent reading of the game and the ability to hold the structure of the backline, while being comfortable in possession, having a good passing range and goal threat too.

Tottenham Hotspur are in battle with Liverpool over a deal to sign Dutch centre-back Jan Paul van Hecke from Brighton & Hove Albion next summer, according to TEAMtalk.

Brighton have received widespread plaudits for the recruitment model under Tony Bloom. After battling for survival in the first four seasons, finishing 15th, 17th, 15th and 16th, respectively, the club have adopted a more specialised recruitment strategy that has been effective in retaining their top-flight status.

They have signed some exciting prospects for relatively modest fees and sold them for exorbitant amounts, which has helped fund more arrivals. Since adopting this approach, they have bought and sold players such as Moises Caicedo, Marc Cucurella, Alexis Mac Allister, Ben White, and Joao Pedro in big-money deals.

The latest player who could join the list is van Hecke, who is having a terrific season for the Seagulls in their European-chasing campaign, in which they currently sit in eighth place.

Since arriving as a relatively unknown player from the Dutch side NAC Breda in 2020, the 25-year-old has enjoyed a meteoric rise on the South Coast, which has now drawn keen interest from several clubs.

Now, according to TEAMtalk, Tottenham and Liverpool are set to battle for Van Hecke’s signature next summer.

Battle

For Spurs, the report adds that the North London club are accelerating their efforts to sign the Dutchman, as Roberto De Zerbi is keen to reunite with him after working with him during his spell at Brighton.

However, it appears Liverpool are looking to trump Tottenham in the race, as TEAMtalk claims the Reds have made initial contact with Van Hecke’s camp regarding his potential transfer to Anfield, with Arne Slot viewing the 6ft 2in centre-back as an ideal option to bolster his defence.

While Brighton would prefer to retain their defensive colossus, the Seagulls have placed a £60m valuation on the Netherlands international, who is also of keen interest to Newcastle United and Chelsea, as per the report.

Both Liverpool and Tottenham have clear needs for new centre-backs next season. Spurs could lose their captain, Cristian Romero, while Virgil van Dijk is not at his dominant best since the beginning of the season.

Manchester United are reportedly keen on signing Tottenham Hotspur defender Micky Van de Ven, as per Football Insider.

The Red Devils currently have Lisandro Martínez and Ayden Heaven as options for the LCB position. Moreover, Harry Maguire can provide cover in this position if needed.

However, the Argentinian international has continued to struggle with fitness problems in recent years, while Heaven is still very young and needs time to develop.

Maguire, meanwhile, is set to turn 34 next year and has signed a short-term contract. So, it appears the 20-time English champions have started exploring options to sign a new left-footed centre-back.

Football Insider state that after securing their place in next season’s Champions League, Man Utd are ‘determined’ to bolster their squad and have identified Van de Ven as a key target.

Following Tottenham’s disappointing performances this season, Van de Ven is unhappy in the English capital and has rejected the offer to extend his current contract.

So, the Dutchman might be open to leaving this summer, regardless of whether Roberto De Zerbi’s side stay in the Premier League. They are currently one point ahead of safety.

Van de Ven to Man Utd

However, purchasing Van de Ven would be extremely difficult for Man Utd this summer if Tottenham eventually retain their top-flight status. Spurs usually play hardball to sell their big assets, and considering his existing deal set to run until 2029, they would demand an astronomical fee if they are forced to cash-in.

Van de Ven, valued at around £56m by Transfermarkt, is a left-footed centre-back by trait but is also efficient in the left-back position. Although Spurs have endured a dire campaign this season, Van de Ven has displayed promising performances.

In 42 appearances across all competitions, he has made eight goal contributions and kept 11 clean sheets this term. He has proven his worth in the Premier League in recent years and has also secured his place in the Netherlands national team.

Liverpool are plotting a swoop to sign Bournemouth centre-back Marcos Senesi on a free transfer next summer, according to Tuttojuve.

Senesi rose to prominence while on the books of San Lorenzo before moving to Europe in 2019 to join Dutch side Feyenoord.

He made 116 appearances in all competitions for the Eredivisie club and later moved to the Premier League to join Bournemouth in 2022 on a four-year deal.

However, he was mostly in and out of the starting line-up, especially last season, when Andoni Iraola favoured Dean Huijsen and Ilya Zabarnyi as his favoured centre-back pairing.

Last season, Senesi was not a regular starter for Bournemouth, as Andoni Iraola preferred the pair of Dean Huijsen and Ilya Zabarnyi, who both played 31 Premier League games together and accumulated 1.66 points per game.

This season, however, the 28-year-old has been rock solid and indispensable in Bournemouth’s backline, playing in 34 of the Cherries’ 35 Premier League games so far this campaign, providing five assists and creating 24 chances despite playing as a centre-back.

Liverpool set to trump Tottenham to sign Senesi

With his deal set to run out at the end of the season, Senesi is set to become one of the most highly sought-after players in the summer.

In recent days, Football Talk, citing Florian Plettenberg, reported that Tottenham Hotspur have reached an agreement in principle to sign Senesi.

However, it appears Liverpool are looking to steal a march on their Premier League rivals, as Tuttojuve reports that the defending Premier League title holders have entered the race to sign the centre-back.

Having tried to sign him in recent seasons, the Reds are set to reopen talks to discuss the contract details of the Argentine international’s potential transfer to Anfield in the summer, according to the report.

With over 120 Premier League appearances to his name, Senesi would represent a smart addition to Liverpool’s defence, particularly with Virgil van Dijk set to turn 35 in July.

While the Reds captain remains influential, his recent displays suggest he is no longer quite at his dominant peak, making the Argentine a viable long-term successor — especially given that new arrivals Jérémy Jacquet and Giovanni Leoni will require time to regain full match sharpness after lengthy injury setbacks.

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly keen on trumping Chelsea and Liverpool in the race to sign Sunderland goalkeeper Robin Roefs, as per Football Insider.

After appointing Roberto De Zerbi as the new manager last month, Spurs failed to win the first two games before winning the last two against Wolverhampton Wanderers and Aston Villa.

After West Ham United’s 3–0 defeat to Brentford last weekend, the Lilywhites moved out of the relegation zone and now sit just one point above the drop zone.

Meanwhile, Football Insider state that Tottenham are planning to sign a new goalkeeper as a potential replacement for Guglielmo Vicario this summer and have identified Roefs as a serious target if they eventually manage to stay in the Premier League.

Apart from the North London club, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Manchester City are also interested in signing Roefs after being impressed by his performances this season.

Having signed Roefs from NEC Nijmegen last summer, Sunderland have no intention of parting ways with him this year. They have slapped a £50m price tag on his head if they are forced to cash-in, with the player’s existing deal set to run until 2030.

As a potential alternative option, Tottenham have earmarked Man City’s James Trafford and Brighton & Hove Albion star Bart Verbruggen as targets to strengthen the last line of defence.

Battle

Tottenham decided to replace Hugo Lloris by signing Vicario, but the Italian has failed to showcase his best consistently in the Premier League.

On the other hand, Chelsea currently have Robert Sanchez and Filip Jorgensen as goalkeeper options. However, neither has proven reliable enough.

Alisson, meanwhile, has been an undisputed starter in Liverpool’s goal over the years, but he has been linked with a move away ahead of the summer window.

Roefs, standing at 6ft 4in tall, has shown glimpses of his qualities in the Premier League this season and would be a great coup for Chelsea, Liverpool, or Tottenham should any of those clubs purchase him.

However, it is going to be interesting to see whether the North London club, the West London club, or the Merseyside club eventually make a concrete approach to secure his services.

Tottenham Hotspur, who are fighting a relegation battle, take on the already relegated Wolverhampton Wanderers at the Molineux tomorrow on matchday 34 of the Premier League looking to clinch vital points in their bid for survival.

Roberto De Zerbi’s men showed some promise at home against Brighton & Hove Albion last weekend but were held to a 2-2 draw, but as they set out to win arguably their easiest game remaining on paper, here is how they might line-up.

Goalkeeper – Antonin Kinsky has emerged as the primary goalkeeper under Roberto Der Zerbi and will likely keep his place in the line-up ahead of Guglielmo Vicario.

Defenders – Pedro Porro bagged a goal last weekend and might retain his place at right back, as could Destiny Udogie on the left side of the back four. Kevin Danso may also start in Cristian Romero’s absence, partnering alongside Micky van de Ven in an unchanged defensive department for the away team.

Bergvall to replace Bentancur

Midfielders – Rodrigo Bentancur could drop out of the team, making way for Lucas Bergvall to come into the line-up after the Swede made a reasonable impact off the bench last time out. Meanwhile, Conor Gallagher and Yves Bissouma are likely to keep their places in the team with the manager preferring some physicality and tenacity in his engine room.

Forwards – Randal Kolo Muani played less than an hour in the previous match but is expected to retain his berth in the starting eleven with no other Tottenham Hotspur attacker impressing either. He might feature on the right wing, whereas Xavi Simons, who bagged a goal and assist in the previous match, might be used as the left winger.

Dominic Solanke is expected to round off the starting eleven for Tottenham by playing down the middle as the number nine.

Here is how the visiting side is expected to look on paper.

Manchester United have renewed Harry Maguire’s contract until 2027 with the option to extend it for another year, but fitness worries for much of the season in the heart of their backline will compel them into considering a signing in the summer.

According to The Athletic, Tottenham Hotspur defender Micky van de Ven has emerged as a strong option for the Red Devils, who hope to capitalise on the Lilywhites’ possible relegation by acquiring one of their best players.

The Dutchman is valued at £56 million on Transfermarkt, and although his age and potential warrant a significantly higher price tag, it is unlikely that Tottenham will have much of a bargaining power, thereby allowing United to sign him on a bargain.

Van de Ven the perfect signing

Micky van de Ven would be the best possible signing Manchester United can make, arguably even more so than his World Cup-winning Tottenham Hotspur teammate Cristian Romero, who tends to pick up bookings very often.

Van de Ven is an excellent modern-day central defender. At over six feet in height, he has an imposing physical stature that allows him to exploit his opponents aerially, as well as with tackles and interceptions, while also having a great reading of the game.

The 25-year-old is also very comfortable with the ball at his feet and is capable of distributing it accurately from the back, or dribbling with it into midfield to help with transitioning possession in the final third of the pitch.

In the event that Michael Carrick continues or somebody like Julian Nagelsmann, who uses a fluid, attacking brand of football, is employed, United would be able to leverage Van de Ven’s attributes in an even better manner, making him a great long-term buy.

Spurs’ relegation could well be a matter of time considering they are showing no signs of improvement, but it will be interesting to see if Van de Ven is prepared to move to Old Trafford or prefers joining an overseas club with interest in his services expected to be in plenty.

Chelsea and Arsenal are reportedly leading the race to sign Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Lucas Bergvall, as per TEAMtalk.

The Blues enjoyed success under Enzo Maresca last term, winning the Conference League and Club World Cup, but they have endured a dire campaign this season.

Liam Rosenior’s side are in danger of missing out on Champions League football. So, it has been suggested that Chelsea are planning to remain active this summer to revamp the squad and turn the situation around next campaign.

Now, TEAMtalk claim that Chelsea are ‘keen’ on signing Bergvall by taking advantage of Tottenham’s current difficult situation and have been monitoring his situation closely before making a concrete approach during the offseason.

Tottenham have surprisingly found themselves in a relegation scrap, sitting two points behind safety, as a result, speculation surrounding their key players’ future has been emerging.

However, Spurs consider the Swedish international as a key player for their long-term future and have no intention of parting ways with him. Bergvall is even happy to stay at the Lilywhites, but Tottenham might be forced to sell him this summer if they eventually fail to stay in the Premier League to balance the books.

Apart from Chelsea, Arsenal are also in this race and have been keeping a close eye on his situation. Moreover, Aston Villa, Fiorentina, Barcelona, and Liverpool are interested in him as well.

Battle

But Arsenal and Chelsea are currently the frontrunners in this race, having already done the groundwork for this deal. Considering the fierce rivalry between Arsenal and Tottenham, Roberto De Zerbi’s side don’t want to sell Bergvall to Mikel Arteta’s side.

As a result, Chelsea are currently ahead of Arsenal in this race and are even preparing to launch ‘imaginative proposals’ to tempt Spurs to let him leave.

Bergvall is valued at around £35m by Transfermarkt and still has a contract until 2031. Meaning, Tottenham are likely to demand a big fee to let him leave.

Bergvall is a box-to-box midfielder by trait but is also comfortable in the defensive midfield position. Furthermore, he can provide cover in the CAM position if needed.

The 20-year-old is a highly talented player and could be a shrewd acquisition for Arsenal or Chelsea should either club eventually manage to secure his service.

Manchester United are reportedly battling with European giants over a deal to sign Tottenham Hotspur defender Cristian Romero, as per Caught Offside.

Since joining the Lilywhites from Italian side Atalanta back in 2021, the 27-year-old has established himself as a talismanic figure, helping his side win the Europa League title last term.

However, the Argentinian international has been heavily criticised for his tendency to make rash decisions at times and pick up red cards in crucial matches.

He has been sent off more times than any other player in the Premier League since his arrival in the English capital.

Meanwhile, with Tottenham surprisingly finding themselves in a relegation scrap this season, sitting 18th in the table with 31 points from 33 matches, speculation surrounding their star players’ future has started emerging.

Now, Caught Offside claim that Tottenham are open to cashing-in on Romero for a fee of at least £52m this summer if they fail to stay in the top-flight.

Atlético Madrid are showing the strongest interest in signing Romero, but Real Madrid have also expressed their interest in him, as Eder Militao and David Alaba have struggled with fitness problems in recent years.

Battle

However, Man Utd are also keen on him to address their defensive frailties and could make a concrete approach to secure his services by defeating other clubs in this race.

Romero is quick, technically sound, comfortable playing out from the back, good in the air, reads the game well, and efficient in defensive contributions. Despite Tottenham’s struggles this season, the defender has showcased his qualities, making nine goal contributions and keeping eight clean sheets across all competitions.

He is currently at the prime stage of his career and could be a shrewd acquisition for Man Utd should they purchase him. The South American has even enjoyed great success with Argentina on the international stage, winning two Copa Americas and a World Cup.

However, considering his ill-tempered nature, spending big money to sign him would be a huge gamble. Nevertheless, it is going to be interesting to see whether the Old Trafford club eventually make a concrete approach to secure his services during the offseason.

Everton are 10th in the Premier League standings and can still make a push for a European spot for next season if they are able to knit together a decent run of results in their first season at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Next year, the Toffees are already planning on revamping their squad across all departments but the acquisition of a box-to-box midfielder might be their priority as they have struggled with inadequate depth in the engine room.

Football Insider has reported that Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Conor Gallagher has emerged as a target for Everton, who want to sign him on loan with an obligation to purchase him in 2027.

Understandably, a transfer to Merseyside for Gallagher hinges on whether Spurs are relegated or not considering the Englishman joined the Londoners from Atletico Madrid only in January this year.

Gallagher a solid addition for Everton

David Moyes is a ‘big admirer’ of Conor Gallagher, as per Football Insider, and while his first few months at Tottenham Hotspur have not gone as per plan, he promises to be a quality addition into the Everton side.

Gallagher’s ability to link up play between defence and offence, aggressive pressing, energetic movements into free spaces when in possession and box-crashing attribute will ensure he plays regular minutes for the Toffees as an important part of their setup.