Liverpool tipped to accelerate Micky van de Ven move after formal bid tabled

Micky van de Ven has been named as a top target for Liverpool this summer as Tottenham Hotspur have begun plans to strengthen at the back.

Liverpool have been keeping a close eye on the 25-year-old as they aim to replace Ibrahima Konate and could now step up their efforts to agree a deal.

Meanwhile, Tottenham have submitted a mega-money offer for Brighton star Jan Paul van Hecke, potentially opening the door to his departure.

Former Tottenham scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Spurs could be open to selling Van de Ven if they can land a replacement quickly.

Having now made a move to land a new centre-back, it could tempt his potential suitors to pounce as Liverpool accelerate their summer transfer plans.

Could Liverpool make a move to sign Micky van de Ven?

Football Insider revealed last month that Liverpool are racing to sign Van de Ven and feel they have a strong change of landing a deal this summer.

The Netherlands international has also attracted interest from the likes of Man United, Real Madrid and Barcelona, but is a top target at Anfield.

Following Konate’s departure and the possibility of Spurs signing a new centre-back, the path may now have cleared for the Reds to make a move.

“Van De Ven’s future is still up in the air,” Brown told Football Insider.

“It’s an area Tottenham are going to have to assess because there are doubts about [Cristian] Romero too, and whether he could move on.

“Van Hecke is somebody they’ve admired for a while, and I’ve always liked the look of him at Brighton, I think he’s really stepped up in recent years.

“At first, I thought he was a bit of a typical work-a-day centre-half, but he’s shown he can be more than that and that has impressed Tottenham.

“So let’s say they make a move for him, that changes things with Van de Ven, because all of a sudden they’ve got another option in the door.

“Liverpool will be keeping a close eye on what’s happening there, because Konate is going to leave, so they’ll need a new centre-back.

“There are a lot of moving parts, but we know Liverpool have been keen on Van de Ven, and if they are given any indication he could be available, they could make a move.

“If Tottenham are signing a new centre-back, then it might play right into their hands.”

Will Jan Paul van Hecke join Tottenham this summer?

Van de Ven’s long-term future at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium remains up in the air, but it could be dictated on whether Spurs can agree a new signing.

Reports have suggested Van Hecke is among their leading candidates, with an opening bid already having been rejected by Brighton.

This comes after Brown first told Football Insider in December that Tottenham are huge admirers of Van Hecke and have been lining up a deal.

Following Roberto De Zerbi’s appointment, the move has gained new legs, as the pair enjoy a strong relationship from his time in charge at the Amex.

Despite seeing their first offer rejected by Brighton, Tottenham are expected to return and remain hopeful of getting a deal over the line.