Real Madrid are ready to capitalise on Tottenham Hotspur's potential relegation and swoop for one of the Premier League's most highly-rated defenders. A move for Micky van de Ven could be on the cards should Spurs suffer the drop.
TEAMtalk reports that Madrid are "closely monitoring" Van de Ven's situation at the London club. The Dutch defender isn't close to signing a new deal and is expected to desire a move when his contract expires in 2029 or even sooner.
Van de Ven - the man for Madrid
Van de Ven has been one of a few positives for Spurs this season, putting in hugely important performances to at least help them through to the Champions League last 16. He's pacey, strong and impressive in the air.
Madrid are expected to be in the market for a new defender this summer amid doubts over three veteran stars' futures. A decision has already been made for David Alaba to leave the Bernabeu when his contract expires.
Antonio Rudiger, linked with Spurs, could also leave as a free agent and likewise Dani Carvajal. The transfer chiefs have made signing a new center-back a priority and Van de Ven ticks all the boxes for the kind of profile they will be eyeing.
Van de Ven is left footed, good on the ball and still only 24 years of age. He has appeared 33 times across competitions this season, posting seven goals and one assist.
The Netherlands international was instrumental in Spurs' Europa League triumph last season. His former manager, Ange Postecoglou, gave a glowing verdict when speaking on The Overlap recently:
"You watch him at the World Cup, I reckon they’ll play him at left back and he’ll be unbelievable. Once he gets going, technically he’s good, his ability to cover ground is phenomenal. You’d set him up against any striker in the world, without any fear that he will get outmuscled and definitely not outrun."
Van de Ven isn't the only option for Madrid as they look to refresh their defensive options next season. The club also have Borussia Dortmund's Nico Schlotterbeck on their radar and could even use the buy-back clause in Jacobo Ramon's contract with Como.
A must-have signing
Madrid would be making a statement if they were to sign Van de Ven given his stock and potential. He has reportedly been on Barcelona's shortlist ahead of the summer but the Catalans don't have the same financial muscle as their El Clasico rivals.
Van de Ven would be a game-changing signing who already has vital experience and could become Alaba's long-term replacement. He also possesses leadership qualities which could help in the dressing room.