Tottenham centre-back Micky van de Ven would prefer a move to Liverpool ahead of Manchester United, according to reports. The Netherlands international, who joined Spurs from Wolfsburg for £43 million in 2023, is currently fighting relegation with Tottenham, who sit two points adrift of safety with five Premier League games remaining.
Van de Ven's Preference Revealed
According to talkSPORT's Ben Jacobs, Van de Ven would turn down a move to Manchester United if Liverpool enter the race. 'If Spurs go down, Van de Ven will almost certainly leave,' Jacobs told The United Stand. 'If Tottenham stay up, it's a slightly different situation because Cristian Romero is still likely to leave and Van de Ven may be harder to get.'
Jacobs added: 'I'm told by Tottenham sources, if Spurs stay up Romero is still likely to leave and there's a better chance now of Van de Ven extending at Tottenham after the appointment of Roberto De Zerbi.'
Manchester United and Liverpool Interest
Manchester United have Van de Ven on their summer shortlist as they look to strengthen their central defence. Liverpool are also in the market for a new centre-back and have been monitoring his situation at Spurs. However, no approach has been made to Tottenham or the player's representatives yet.
'He is someone Man United are keeping an eye on. There has been no approach to Spurs and as of now there has been zero approach to the player side from Manchester United,' Jacobs said. 'Liverpool are also in the market for another defender as well. Liverpool, like Man United, it's more an internal conversation.'
Why Van de Ven Would Choose Liverpool
Jacobs explained that Van de Ven's preference for Liverpool is clear. 'The bad news for Man United on Micky van de Ven is if, and it is an 'if', Liverpool enter the race, Van de Ven is only making one decision between Liverpool and Manchester United, and he is picking Liverpool. And I say that with absolute confidence.'
He cited several reasons: 'He would be linking up with Virgil van Dijk, Van Dijk will be going in a season because his contract expires, he knows Van Dijk, he has the opportunity to partner Van Dijk and then move over to the left side and he is also a Liverpool fan in terms of him and his family. If Liverpool enter the race, it would be bad news for all suitors.'
Van de Ven's future remains uncertain, with Tottenham's Premier League status playing a key role. If Spurs are relegated, the defender is expected to leave, while a top-flight survival could see Romero depart but Van de Ven potentially extend his contract.
