Liverpool's transfer negotiators will need to be at their best to land Tottenham talisman Micky van de Ven, but a potential swap deal could soften the blow
Micky van de Ven of Tottenham Hotspur celebrates his team's first goal, scored by teammate Ben Davies (Not Pictured) during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Sunderland at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium
Micky van de Ven is understood to be a target for Liverpool, but Tottenham reportedly want a world-record sum for the defender(Image: Julian Finney, Getty Images)
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A morale-boosting Champions League victory in Marseille has strengthened Liverpool's hand as the January transfer window enters its final stages. Arne Slot's side remain unbeaten in 13 matches across all competitions, though consecutive league draws in their last four outings highlight how improvements are still required.
Liverpool have been relatively quiet in the transfer market this winter, with no significant additions arriving at Anfield to date. The sole January acquisition remains Senegalese prospect Mor Talla Ndiaye, who joined the club for approximately £1million.
Nevertheless, an increase transfer activity could still prove decisive in shaping the remainder of the season. The ECHO brings you the latest developments surrounding the club with just over a week remaining in the transfer window.
Spurs demand world-record Van de Ven fee
Speculation linking Liverpool with Tottenham star Micky van de Ven continues to intensify as Slot seeks defensive reinforcements. Manchester City won the race to sign Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace, despite suggestions he would arrive at Anfield on a free transfer this summer.
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With Virgil van Dijk's contract set to run out in approximately 18 months and Ibrahima Konate potentially departing on a free transfer this summer, Liverpool's defence is in a state of flux. Van de Ven has earned widespread praise as a potential replacement following his outstanding performances in north London over the past two-and-a-half seasons.
Reports indicate Van de Ven, 24, has stepped back from discussions regarding a new contract at Spurs. In response, talkSPORT reported Tottenham have taken a proactive stance by placing a £100million valuation on their defensive star.
The nine-figure price tag would represent the highest amount ever paid for a defender, comfortably surpassing the £80m fee that brought Harry Maguire to Manchester United from Leicester in 2019. Van Dijk himself previously held the record when he departed Southampton for Liverpool in a £75m transfer in 2018.
Ibrahima Konate and Virgil van Dijk look on
Ibrahima Konate and Virgil van Dijk could both be bound for the Anfield exit over the next 18 months(Image: Robin Jones/Getty Images)
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And who better to establish the new benchmark than his fellow Dutchman, who has emerged as a Premier League force. Van de Ven's exceptional blend of world-class pace and defensive intelligence has seen his reputation soar since his £43m switch to Tottenham from Wolfsburg in summer 2023.
Securing a once-in-a-generation Dutch star could also appeal to Slot, who will eventually need to make a significant move to replace his other countryman, Van Dijk. However, Liverpool's finances may be somewhat stretched after spending £400m on transfers in the summer, as another nine-figure deal ppotentially looms on the horizon.
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Curtis Jones eyed by Spurs
One possible way to lower the upfront expenditure of such a transfer could involve sending Curtis Jones to north London as part of the arrangement. The Anfield academy product has previously been linked with Spurs and the London outfit are understood to be renewing their interest.
The Daily Mail reported Tottenham continue to keep tabs on Jones despite their recent capture of Conor Gallagher from Atletico Madrid. It's understood Thomas Frank is looking to bolster his midfield with additional attacking quality, and Jones might be obtainable for the appropriate price.
Curtis Jones speaks in an interview
Curtis Jones is reportedly wanted by Tottenham, but the midfielder has said he wants to see out his career at Liverpool(Image: Sky Sports)
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Their prospects of securing the England international would increase significantly if it facilitated Van de Ven's switch to Merseyside. There's been no indication of what transfer fee Jones might command should he depart, although Transfermarkt estimates the midfielder's worth at slightly over £30m.
It's important to note Jones, who has featured 28 times this campaign and been named in the starting XI on 17 occasions, recently entered the final 18 months of his existing deal. The Reds may consequently wish to negotiate fresh terms with the player in the near future, if only to guarantee a superior fee should he eventually be sold.
As for Jones himself, the player has publicly stated his ambition to one day wear the armband at Liverpool and "stay there all his life." Nevertheless, Tottenham's interest could offer Liverpool a chance to resolve a pressing requirement that's too attractive to ignore.