Man Utd explode into race for wantaway Spurs star to leave Liverpool stunned

Tom Weber
Tom Weber
  • 24 Feb 2026 14:30 GMT
  • 4 min read
Michael Carrick, Man Utd
© IMAGO

Manchester United are ready to rival Liverpool for the signature of Tottenham star Micky van de Ven, according to a report.

Article continues under the video

The Netherlands international is the subject of intensifying transfer rumours. Van de Ven is too good for a Premier League relegation battle, and he seems to think so, too.

The 24-year-old has faced some criticism on social media for his body language in recent games. Particularly damning was the clip that went viral during the North London Derby defeat to Arsenal in which Van de Ven appears to ignore new interim head coach Igor Tudor.

Current ETV
Player image Micky van de Ven
Micky van de Ven

D (C)

Tottenham logo

Tottenham

Micky van de Ven
Micky van de Ven

D (C)

Tottenham

Tottenham

€67.2M

ETV Range

€60.5M - €73.9M

Spurs fans have questioned their star defender's commitment to the cause, and there is now a growing belief that he will not be plying his trade in North London next season.

Indeed, TEAMtalk claims that Van de Ven is "open" to leaving Tottenham this summer. When fit and up for it, the Dutchman has shown himself to be an excellent Premier League defender, so there is no shortage of suitors.

Man Utd battle Liverpool

Liverpool are long-standing admirers of Van de Ven, having already taken a liking to him when he was still at Wolfsburg in the Bundesliga. However, despite scouring the market for a young defender, they opted against signing him in 2023.

For weeks now, it has been claimed that the Reds will reignite their interest in Van de Ven this summer. Arne Slot is believed to be a big fan of his compatriot, even if there are question marks over whether he will remain in the Anfield dugout beyond this season.

Micky van de Ven
© IMAGO - Micky van de Ven

Real Madrid have also been posited as a potential destination for the Dutchman. However, it is thought that they will focus on Borussia Dortmund star Nico Schlotterbeck and former Castilla prospect Jacobo Ramon, now at Como, this summer.

The above-mentioned report asserts that Man Utd are also in the mix to sign Van de Ven. They are closely monitoring his situation and will become a credible option for him if they secure Champions League qualification.

Tottenham had been in contract talks with Van de Ven, but these discussions have been put on ice as the club focuses on banishing the spectre of relegation. Whether these talks will restart again is doubtful, given that the player increasingly looks like he would much rather be elsewhere.

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