Spurs centre-back Van de Ven an option Man United ‘are considering’

Spurs centre-back Van de Ven an option Man United ‘are considering’

Tottenham Hotspur defender Micky van de Ven is an option that Manchester United ‘are considering’ this summer.

Though not the forefront priority for the summer, the Red Devils are assessing centre-back options as part of a summer overhaul. An athletic left-sided central defender is on the agenda, with Van de Ven viewed as a candidate.

The Netherlands international has been linked with leaving Spurs, after a difficult debut season for the North Londoners. Spurs are 18th in the Premier League and battling against relegation.

A deal does not appear straightforward, though relegation could reduce Van de Ven’s asking price. Spurs are two points from safety with four games remaining.

Van de Ven’s versatility would also help add depth at left-back, where the 25-year-old predominantly features for the Dutch national team. United want to bring in cover for Luke Shaw, given his patchy fitness record and the return of European football next season.

The Athletic journalist Laurie Whitwell told Stretford Paddock that a move for Van de Ven is under consideration.

“Micky Van de Ven was proposed to me as somebody Manchester United are considering. Spurs staying up or going down might be a big factor – the transfer fee could be a lot less if Spurs are in the Championship.

“I don’t know if they’ll actually accelerate that. It depends on how De Ligt and Martinez come back. De Ligt has been out for so long and it hadn’t been anticipated, but it’s given them something to think about. Martinez is out with a ban, but he’s had a few injuries, so they might think they need consistency in that area of the pitch.”