Reports in the Netherlands claim Liverpool made an approach for Tottenham centre-back Micky van de Ven, but local sources have already dismissed links.
With Van de Ven entering the final two years of his contract, De Telegraaf‘s Mike Verweij claimed that both Liverpool and Barcelona hold an interest this summer.
Verweij wrote that the two sides were hoping to take advantage of an impasse in talks over a new deal at Tottenham.
But talkSPORT’s Alex Crook and transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano have both dismissed suggestions Van de Ven could leave for Liverpool.
Writing on X, Crook insisted Liverpool are “not actively pursuing” the Dutchman, while Romano explained on YouTube that Tottenham view him as an “absolutely, absolutely crucial player.”
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Saturday, February 3, 2024: Everton's Dominic Calvert-Lewin (R) is challenged by Tottenham Hotspur's Micky van de Ven during the FA Premier League match between Everton FC and Tottenham Hotspur FC at Goodison Park. The game ended in a 2-2 draw. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
“For Tottenham, he is absolutely untouchable,” he continued. “Tottenham want Micky van de Ven to stay.”
While Romano left the door open for the situation to change later in the summer, he maintained that the stance is that Van de Ven is not for sale.
Interestingly, he compared the 25-year-old’s situation to that of right-back Pedro Porro before he signed a new five-year contract last week.
Porro had been touted with moves to Man City and Real Madrid having neared the final two years of his previous deal, but committed his long-term future to Tottenham‘s new project under Roberto De Zerbi.
It would be no surprise if Van de Ven’s links with Liverpool and Barcelona were simply part of the process when it comes to negotiating a new contract.
Liverpool’s name is certainly a convenient one to involve, given they are expected to consider their options in the centre-back market after Ibrahima Konate‘s exit.
However, it is widely reported that there are no immediate plans to add to their centre-back ranks, and any development would only come later in the summer.
Why Liverpool aren’t rushing to sign a centre-back
3BA119J Jeremy JACQUET of Rennes during the French championship Ligue 1 football match between Stade Rennais and OGC Nice on 10 May 2025 at Roazhon Park in Rennes, France
Andoni Iraola already has Virgil van Dijk, Jeremy Jacquet, Giovanni Leoni and Joe Gomez available along with young prospects such as Ifeanyi Ndukwe and Mor Talla Ndiaye.
As it stands the focus is on strengthening in attack, with Victor Munoz already signed from Osasuna and a first proposal made to RB Leipzig for Yan Diomande.
Van de Ven was linked with Liverpool prior to his move to Tottenham back in 2023, but even then he was not viewed as a primary target.