Real Madrid dealt blow in pursuit of ‘brilliant’ Tottenham star as contract talks lined up
Real Madrid have been dealt a new blow in their pursuit of a key Tottenham star ahead of the January transfer window, according to their former scout.
Mick Brown, who also worked as the chief scout at Man United and Blackburn and remains very well-connected at his former clubs, exclusively told Football Insider that Thomas Frank is determined not to lose any of his best players.
As a result, Tottenham are planning to open contract talks with Micky van de Ven in the coming weeks to tie down his long-term future to the club.
Football Insider revealed on 12 September that Real Madrid are eyeing Van de Ven as a top target as they aim to improve their defensive unit in 2026.
The Netherlands international is currently under contract until 2029, placing Spurs in a strong position, but they are keen to extend his terms to deter interest.
Tottenham plan to offer Micky van de Ven a new contract
Brown told Football Insider in April that Van de Ven’s head could be turned by Real Madrid amid ongoing speculation surrounding his future in North London.
However the former scout, who has a wealth of experience in top-level player recruitment after over a decade at Man United during their most successful period, has insisted Spurs are confident of agreeing terms after the offer of a new deal.
“Tottenham want Van de Ven to commit his future to the club,” he told Football Insider.
“They want to put an end to the speculation and any interest from clubs like Real Madrid and the others who have been linked over the summer.
“He’s been brilliant since he went to Tottenham and everybody there seems to love him.
“The way he plays is perfect for the way Frank wants his team to play, and there’s no way the manager will want to lose one of his most important players.
“I can’t see any situation in which Tottenham would want to lose him, to be honest.
“So from their point of view, it makes sense that they want to get him tied down to a new contract, and I think they’re pretty confident they can get it done.”
Despite the speculation about Real Madrid, alongside reported interest from the likes of Liverpool, the centre-back is believed to be happy in North London.
Real Madrid identify Premier League stars in 2026 transfer plan
Xabi Alonso‘s side have set their sights on landing defensive reinforcements either in January or next summer, and has turned to the Premier League for his options.
Liverpool star Ibrahima Konate has been a long-term target for Los Blancos, while Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi is emerging as an interesting option.
Both Konate and Guehi are set to become free agents next summer as things stand, and Madrid are keen to snap them up on pre-contract deals from January.
Defensive reinforcements have been on Madrid’s radar for a while, with their current ageing options seen as the major weak point in Alonso’s side.
Meanwhile, with Antonio Rudiger and David Alaba both out of contract at the end of the season, they are planning to step up their efforts in the new year.
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