**Liverpool and Manchester United are both interested in signing Spurs defender Micky van de Ven, with Liverpool considering him as a long-term replacement for Virgil van Dijk.**
It does seem a bit premature to replace van Dijk while we’re waiting to see Salah replaced after the Egyptian moved to Trabzonspor in the summer, but it does seem like a good idea to plan for when van Dijk does eventually leave the club.
The Dutchman recently revealed that talks are yet to take place over a possible extension to his Liverpool contract, which expires at the end of the season, but [could Liverpool still extend van Dijk’s terms?](https://live4liverpool.com/if-liverpool-arent-in-van-dijk-talks-yet-does-that-mean-they-will-be-at-some-point/)
A report from [Caught Offside](https://www.caughtoffside.com/2026/09/26/sources-liverpool-man-united-monitoring-stage-pl-speedster/) states that Liverpool and United are both “keeping van de Ven under close observation”, but his contract situation makes it likely to be very expensive to sign him.
The report reads: _“Sources close to the agents industry have informed CaughtOffside that Liverpool’s interest appears particularly significant._
_“The Reds are already planning for life after Virgil van Dijk, whose minutes are being managed more carefully this season, and van de Ven fits the profile of a potential long-term successor._
_“Recent reports have described him as a player Liverpool have admired for some time._
_“Man United are also understood to be monitoring the Dutchman as they continue assessing their own centre-back options. His age, Premier League experience and ability to play on the left side of defence would all appeal to a club still shaping its long-term defensive core. Both the Premier League sides are at the ‘close monitoring‘ stage._
_“Tottenham strengthened their hand considerably in August when van de Ven signed a new long-term contract. The deal extends his stay beyond his previous 2029 agreement, with Dutch reports placing the new expiry date in 2031.”_
Jeremy Jacquet is the future of Liverpool’s defence
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When Liverpool signed Jacquet in January, with the signing deferred to this summer, it surprised many to learn Rennes charged the Reds £60m for his signature.
However, having won the Premier League Player of the Month after just a handful of games for Liverpool, it seems as though Liverpool have signed a mega-star.
His composure, tackling and intelligence have blown me away. I am looking forward to the end of the international break to see him back in action for Liverpool against Manchester City, which will be a true test of his abilities.