Manchester United join Liverpool in the race for Tottenham's Micky Van de Ven

Manchester United have reportedly joined Liverpool in the race to sign Tottenham Hotspur defender Micky Van de Ven, according to Caught Offside. The Red Devils are monitoring the 25-year-old left-footed centre-back as they seek a long-term solution at left centre-back, but Spurs want up to £90m.

  • Player: Micky Van de Ven, 25, Tottenham Hotspur centre-back
  • Clubs interested: Manchester United and Liverpool
  • Asking price: Up to £90m
  • Contract: Tied to Tottenham until 2031, no release clause
  • Source: Caught Offside report
  • Stage: Interest and monitoring, no formal bid

Deal details

Manchester United have expressed their interest in Van de Ven and have been monitoring his situation closely before making a potential swoop next year, as per Caught Offside. The Old Trafford club will face fierce competition from Liverpool, who have also been keeping a close eye on the defender.

Tottenham recently tied the 25-year-old down to a fresh term until 2031, meaning they are in no rush to sell and he does not have a release clause. However, if Spurs are forced to cash in amid their recent struggles, they want up to £90m for the Netherlands international.

Van de Ven is a 6ft 4in tall left-footed centre-back who can provide cover at left-back if needed. He is quick, strong, good in the air, can play out from the back and is efficient in defensive contributions. As a Premier League-proven player at the prime stage of his career, he would be a shrewd acquisition for either Manchester United or Liverpool.

Why Man Utd need a left centre-back

Manchester United currently have Lisandro Martínez and Ayden Heaven as specialist options to deploy in the left centre-back position. Harry Maguire can provide cover in that area if needed. However, Martínez has struggled with fitness problems in recent years and has entered the final few months of his existing deal, with United holding an option to extend his contract for one more year.

Maguire's current contract will also expire next summer, and Man Utd can extend his deal for a year further. Heaven, meanwhile, is still very young and needs time to develop. As a result, Michael Carrick's side have started exploring options to sign a new left centre-back, with Van de Ven emerging as a target.

The appeal of Van de Ven is his profile: left-footed, rapid, aerially dominant and comfortable in possession. Those traits would suit a Carrick side that wants to build from the back and defend aggressively in wide areas. Signing him would also allow United to move on from the fitness concerns surrounding Martínez and the age profile of Maguire without losing defensive solidity.

Why Liverpool are also keen

Liverpool have seemingly started exploring options to replace Virgil Van Dijk, whose current contract is set to expire at the end of this season. The former Southampton star has been a cornerstone of the Merseyside club's defence, and identifying a long-term successor is a priority.

Van de Ven fits the bill as a Premier League-proven operator who can step into a high line and cover ground quickly. His ability to play left-back also offers tactical flexibility, something Liverpool value in their full-backs and wide centre-backs. However, prising him from Tottenham will not be straightforward given his long contract and Spurs' valuation.

Talking points

  • Manchester United's interest in Van de Ven signals they are preparing for life after Lisandro Mart\u00ednez and Harry Maguire, but is he the right profile for Michael Carrick's system?
  • Liverpool's pursuit is driven by Virgil Van Dijk's contract situation. If Van Dijk stays, would Van de Ven accept being a squad option at Anfield?
  • Tottenham's £90m valuation is a clear deterrent. Would either club pay that for a defender who has not yet won major honours?
  • Van de Ven's injury record at Spurs has been mixed. Is he worth the risk at that price, or should both clubs look elsewhere?

What happens next

Both Manchester United and Liverpool will continue to monitor Van de Ven's situation ahead of a potential move next year. Tottenham's stance is clear: they are under no pressure to sell, and any deal would require a bid approaching £90m. The coming months will reveal whether either club formalises their interest with a concrete offer.

Frequently asked questions

Are Manchester United signing Micky Van de Ven?

Manchester United have reportedly expressed interest in Micky Van de Ven and are monitoring his situation, but no formal bid has been made. Tottenham want up to £90m for the defender.

How much would Micky Van de Ven cost?

Tottenham value Micky Van de Ven at up to £90m, according to Caught Offside. He has no release clause and is under contract until 2031.

Why do Liverpool want Micky Van de Ven?

Liverpool are exploring options to replace Virgil Van Dijk, whose contract expires at the end of the season. Van de Ven is seen as a Premier League-proven successor.

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