There is a real risk of Tottenham Hotspur suffering relegation this season, and Manchester United are reportedly prepared to make the most of it. The Lilywhites sit 16th in the Premier League table, four points above the drop zone with 11 games remaining.
A 4-1 home loss to Arsenal under new interim manager Igor Tudor means they have lost 12 of their 27 league games this season. If Spurs are playing Championship football next season, a mass exodus might ensue.
High-profile names such as captain Cristian Romero, James Maddison, Dejan Kulusevski, Destiny Udogie, and Xavi Simons might seek to depart. An expensive squad could be torn to shreds and United are ready to capitalise.
Man United eyeing Tottenham’s Van de Ven
The Reds’ main focus heading into this summer’s transfer window is bolstering the midfield. Casemiro is set to leave when his contract expires in June, and the Brazilian will need to be replaced.
INEOS may also look at signing a new central defender, especially if Harry Maguire leaves Old Trafford. The English centre-back’s current deal is also up this summer, but he is reportedly in discussions over an extension.
According to TEAMtalk, United have joined Liverpool and Real Madrid in a potential race for Micky van de Ven, whose future at Spurs is in doubt. The Dutchman has been one of his side’s standout performers during a nightmare campaign in North London.
Van de Ven has made 33 appearances across competitions, registering seven goals and one assist. His current contract is up in the summer of 2029 but talks over a renewal have reportedly been put on hold.
If United are to swoop for the 24-year-old, they will need to see off competition from Madrid. It’s said that the La Liga giants are “particularly keen” on the Lilywhites’ centre-back.
A potential fee for the Netherlands international isn’t mentioned, but he joined the North Londoners from Wolfsburg in August 2023 in a £43m deal. Given his importance, the Reds can expect to pay an astronomical fee, although relegation will be factored in.
Other business to handle
Van de Ven is regarded as one of the Premier League’s best defenders for his pace, consistency, and warrior-like mentality. He did cause concern in the defeat to Arsenal when he was spotted seemingly ignoring Tudor’s instructions from the touchline.
A move for the Dutch star, hailed “phenomenal” by Ange Postecoglou, isn’t necessary, and United have other priorities to address before considering signing a new centre-back. Spurs’ possible relegation doesn’t offer a good opportunity to sign one of the most talented defenders in the top flight.
Maguire’s future will be the main factor in a potential move for the Dutchman. The club needs to consider the impact the transfer might have on the youngsters battling for a starting berth.
Michael Carrick has continuously used Maguire and Lisandro Martinez in central defence since arriving as caretaker coach in January. Leny Yoro filled in for Martinez in a 1-0 win over Everton on Monday due to the Argentine’s slight calf problem.
Yoro, 20, will undoubtedly want to claim a regular starting role in the United team heading into next season. That will also be the case for Ayden Heaven, 19, who has impressed since arriving from Arsenal’s youth academy.
Van de Ven’s fellow countryman Matthijs de Ligt is also set to return from injury soon, having been sidelined since November with a back problem. There are already several options in defence, which makes a move for the Spurs man seem redundant.
