Liverpool’s vision for centre-back is taking shape, and there appears to be a plan in motion involving Micky van de Ven.
It’s hard to think too long-term at the moment.
Arne Slot is under increased pressure at Liverpool, and while FSG look to be backing him for the season, there’s no telling what the state of play will be in the summer.
Despite that uncertainty, the future needs to be planned for, especially in the defence.
Jeremy Jacquet is currently injured, and it could have him out for the season, but with any luck he will be fit and ready when he arrives at Anfield in a few months.
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Marc Guehi pictured in action during Manchester City's Premier League match against Liverpool at Anfield (Credit: Getty Images/Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA).
Photo Credit: Getty Images/Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA
That doesn’t mean Liverpool aren’t going to make another statement centre-back signing — quite the opposite.
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Liverpool have held an interest in Van de Ven for some time now. He’s an impressive defender who would be a great addition to Slot’s back line.
A report from TEAMtalk revealed that sources close to the club are tipping the Reds to act ‘immediately’ should Konate’s mooted move to Real Madrid take shape. That’s despite the £60 million Jeremy Jacquet arriving at Liverpool in the summer.
Ibrahima Konate applauds his Liverpool teammates during their UEFA Champions League match against Real Madrid at Anfield
Photo by Alex Livesey – Danehouse/Getty Images
Jacquet is highly regarded at the club, but a ‘proven option’ is preferred to fill the Konate void. That’s where Van de Ven emerges as an option Liverpool would ‘seriously consider’.
Konate and Van de Ven aren’t exactly like-for-like, but it’s the same level of centre-back, and a wise choice should the lure of the Spanish capital prove too tempting for Van Dijk’s current partner.
Tottenham don’t want to sell Van de Ven
If Liverpool do go down that route, it’s not a given that he would be allowed to leave.
Van de Ven appears fed up at Spurs, and would surely jump at the chance to make this move.
But he will still have three left on his contract.
The Dutchman is close to many of the Liverpool players through the national team and has voiced his admiration for the Merseyside club in the past.
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Roy Hodgson and Arne Slot records at Liverpool
Photo by Simon Stacpoole/Offside/Offside via Getty Images
If there is to be a snag in the plan, it could be Spurs refusing to entertain an approach.
If they miss out on Champions League football, though, that could swing the pendulum back the other way — as long as Liverpool don’t also.
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