Man United set sights on Van de Ven - 'He is top of the list'
Manchester United have set their sights on a move to sign Tottenham Hotspur star Micky van de Ven at the end of the season.
Michael Carrick is aiming to add to his defensive options in 2027, and has identified the 25-year-old as a major improvement on the current players available to him.
The Netherlands international's pace and ability to play at left-back as well as on the left-hand side of a back three or a back two, have made him a leading target.
Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Van de Ven is at the top of the Red Devils' shortlist and they could take advantage of Tottenham's situation.
Spurs have finished 17th in the Premier League two seasons in a row, and are currently without a win from five games this season as they sit bottom during the first international break.
Should the North London club endure another disappointing season, there is a feeling Van de Ven could push to leave, and Man United are now ready to pounce.
Could Man United make a move for Micky van de Ven?
Brown told Football Insider in May that Man United were keeping tabs on Van de Ven's situation in case he decided to leave Tottenham durnig the summer transfer window.
The Netherlands international ultimately opted to stay as a key member of the squad under Roberto De Zerbi, but another poor season could see him push for a move away.
Man United are among a number of long-term admirers of Van de Ven, and should he be made available at any stage, they are ready to make a move.
"Man United want defenders and there aren't many better options out there than Van de Ven," Brown told Football Insider.
"He ticks so many boxes for them; he's got plenty of Premier League experience, he's still only young, he can play on that left-hand side of the defence, and importantly, he's rapid.
"Man United have major issues with the pace in their defence when you look at players like Maguire, De Ligt, Martinez. Van de Ven would bring that in spades.
"So from what I'm told, he is right at the top of their list of targets and he is seen as the ideal addition for when Carrick wants to strengthen at the back.
"The key will be if Tottenham continue to struggle, because if they finish down the bottom of the table again, it's going to be very hard to keep hold of players like Van de Ven.
"He decided to stay this season, but there is every chance he could be tempted away, so Man United have to be ready to make a move."
Which other clubs are interested in signing Van de Ven?
Despite the centre-back featuring high on their list of targets, Man United are far from the only club interested in Van de Ven and will face intense pressure in their pursuit.
Rival clubs in the Premier League and across Europe are believed to be keeping tabs on his situation, and will be placed on high alert if he becomes available.
Brown told Football Insider on 24 September that Liverpool are plotting a move to sign Van de Ven as part of their long-term plans to relpace Virgil van Dijk.
The centre-back's fellow countryman has been high on their list for a long time, and following Tottenham's slow start to the new season, they could try to take advantage.
Van de Ven is believed to be open to a move to Anfield given Tottenham's recent struggles and would welcome the opportunity to discuss terms over a move.