(Credit: Imago)

Callum O'Connell

Wed 6 May 2026 7:00, UK

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Micky van de Ven is growing increasingly likely to leave Tottenham this summer with Manchester United the latest club to join the race for his signature.

The 25-year-old could seek a move away from North London regardless of whether they remain in the Premier League after another miserable season so far.

Spurs moved above West Ham and out of the relegation zone with a win last time out, but survival may not be enough to keep their best players.

Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that United are interested in signing Van de Ven as they aim to bolster their defensive options.

Concerns about some of their current centre-backs have forced them to assess their options in the market, and Van de Ven could be an ambitious target for Man United.

Could Micky van de Ven quit Tottenham for Man United?

Football Insider exclusively revealed in March that Van de Ven is unhappy at Tottenham and their attempts to extend his contract have proved unsuccessful.

While Spurs remain in control over his future, as his current deal is set to run until 2029, there is no shortage of clubs looking to prise him away.

After Man United secured qualification for next season’s Champions League, they are determined to bolster their squad, with Van de Ven now in their sights.

“Persuading players to join Man United has never been a problem,” Brown told Football Insider.

“But being in the Champions League next season will be a big boost to the club financially and in terms of going and getting players to improve the squad.

“There are a few priority positions in the team, and one of them is at centre-back.

“They’ve got Harry Maguire for another year, but who’s going to play alongside him? They’ve got the young lads, Heaven and Yoro, who have been very impressive.

“But the senior players, Martinez and De Ligt, they’re not sure about because of the injury issues they’ve had and they’ve struggled with consistency.

“Going into next season, they want an experienced and reliable centre-back alongside Maguire, and that’s why Micky van de Ven is somebody I’m told they’re looking at.

“He might leave Tottenham even if they stay in the Premier League because he wants to play at a higher level, and Man United can offer him that.

“He would be an ambitious target but he’s somebody they like in a position they need to strengthen, so it’s something they have to look at.”

Which other clubs could move to sign Van de Ven?

Despite emerging interest from Man United, they are not alone in their pursuit of Van de Ven and will face rival interest both in the Premier League and abroad.

Football Insider revealed in March that Liverpool are keen to sign Van de Ven and were handed a boost as Barcelona may be unable to meet Spurs’ demands.

Arne Slot is believed to be a big admirer of the defender, and the addition of a new centre-back has become a priority for Liverpool after a disappointing season.

Barcelona, meanwhile, are also aiming to strengthen at the back as they close in on the La Liga title, but their financial issues may prevent them making a move.

Premier League clubs are believed to be in strong positions financially compared to their European rivals, but Van de Ven’s likely destination is still unclear.