Tottenham defender Micky van de Ven emerging as concrete option for Liverpool | OneFootball

Liverpool are intensifying interest in Tottenham Hotspur defender Micky van de Ven as they prepare for life after Virgil van Dijk, according to the Daily Mail.

Since moving to North London from Bundesliga outfit Wolfsburg for £34.5 million in 2023, Van de Ven has established himself as one of the Premier League’s best centre-backs.

It remains to be seen whether Liverpool will test Tottenham’s resolve with a formal offer, especially given Van de Ven’s contract runs until 2029.

However, the Dutchman has reportedly stalled renewal discussions as Spurs languish in the bottom half of the Premier League table.

Blessed with pace, athleticism and ball-playing ability, Van de Ven would be a welcome addition to a Liverpool side that have been laid bare in defence this season after losing summer arrival Giovanni Leoni to an ACL injury.

This has often left Van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate with an increased workload.

After missing out on Marc Guehi to Manchester City, Liverpool manager Arne Slot is keen to land a first-team-ready defensive addition this summer, while Leoni eases himself back in after a lengthy period of absence.

Given the level of interest in Van de Ven, securing Champions League football will be crucial to Liverpool’s hopes of signing the 24-year-old.

Liverpool have endured a subpar domestic campaign to date but currently sit fourth in the Premier League table, one point clear of fifth-place Manchester United.

Unbeaten in 12 matches, the Reds take on Olympique Marseille later today aiming to boost their UCL last-16 hopes.