Jason McAteer has reacted to the speculation over Micky van de Ven’s future, and he believes that one club is likely to press forward with a move for the Tottenham star.
The Tottenham vice-captain’s future has been the source of much speculation over the last few months, with clubs across England and Europe seemingly queuing up for him.
Real Madrid and Barcelona have allegedly expressed an interest in Van de Ven ahead of the summer window, while it has also been suggested that Man United and Liverpool are keen on the Spurs centre-back.
In fact, we have heard over the last week that Liverpool are on red alert over Van de Ven, and one pundit has now reacted to the speculation linking the 25-year-old with a switch to Anfield.
Jason McAteer expects Liverpool to make a move for Tottenham’s Micky van de Ven
Journalist Ben Jacobs said last week that Liverpool is the Tottenham star’s preferred destination, but he suggested that so far, the Reds have not made a concrete move for the centre-back.
Liverpool legend Jason McAteer believes that Arne Slot’s men will attempt to secure Van de Ven’s services after missing out on Marc Guehi.
When asked if the Reds will make a move for the Tottenham defender, McAteer said on the Footy Accumulators No Tippy Tappy Football: “It looks that way. They missed out on Marc Guehi in the summer, and I was a little bit surprised that they let it go to the winter window to try and do the business.
“You always bring competition in then; other teams are looking for players in that position, and City have got there before Liverpool. I think they missed out on one there. Leoni came in at the start of the season; obviously, he picked up a really bad injury, which has set him back, and we brought in Jacquet as well.
“I know he’s not coming until next season, but he is quality, and they have spent a lot of money on him. He will be looking at playing in the team, but they do need another centre-half. There are a couple out there, but Micky van de Ven seems to be [on the market]. It will be interesting to see how it develops at Tottenham because if they do go down, they will be looking to offload players, and Liverpool might nick him for a little bit cheaper.”
Tim Sherwood claims Van de Ven is ‘the obvious choice’ for Liverpool
The Netherlands international’s future is far from set in stone yet, with some reports indicating that Van de Ven is open to signing a new contract at Spurs, as he is loving life under Roberto De Zerbi.
However, Sherwood believes that although the former Wolfsburg man is not the finished article yet, he is the standout option for Liverpool as they attempt to reinforce their backline this summer.
The former Tottenham midfielder and interim head coach said: “I think he’s the obvious choice on that left side, there aren’t many of those about. There is one other, Jarrad Branthwaite, but he ain’t going to Liverpool, so it opens up the door there for Micky to go in there as a Liverpool player.
“I don’t think he’s the finished article; he still needs to develop, but he needs to play with someone like Virgil van Dijk. Those experienced, good players he can look up to because he’s not the leader we think he is at the moment, and I think he needs to be shown how to lead. It’s a learning curve, and he’s still learning, but it’s a good option.”