Tottenham's latest Jan Paul van Hecke move suggests Micky van de Ven is now on his way

Tottenham Hotspur star Micky van de Ven could soon be joined by his international teammate.

Supporters woke to the news last on Thursday that Spurs have submitted a bid for Brighton’s Jan Paul van Hecke, with the club’s initial offer being rejected by the Seagulls.

Despite being rivals over the last few seasons, the defensive duo are well-known to each other, partnering up on the international stage with the Netherlands.

Micky van de Ven and Jan Paul van Hecke share the field

A lot has been made of Van de Ven’s future as a Tottenham player, and more questions could be about to emerge as the Lilywhites look to sign a new centre-back.

As recently as the Netherlands’ 1-0 defeat to Algeria on Wednesday, 3 June, Van Hecke and Van de Ven managed to play 45 minutes together, alongside Virgil van Dijk.

They have plenty of time to become acquainted over the summer, with upcoming World Cup fixtures against Japan, Sweden and Tunisia across America.

It will be more than enough time for the potential club teammates to learn each other’s game, but it could spell bad news for the current Spurs centre-back.

Van de Ven’s adaptability, sadly, could work against him next season. Van Hecke can only play as a centre-half, while the former is often moved to full-back for the Dutch.

It’s fair to say that the Tottenham defender is wasted in the position, and he doesn’t perform nearly as well. The signing of Van Hecke should send his alarm bells ringing.

Could Van de Ven be ready to leave Tottenham?

While some will believe that Roberto De Zerbi wants Van Hecke as a centre-back partnership for Van de Ven, it could be that he’s a potential replacement instead.

Liverpool are linked with the Tottenham star, and the Reds are unlikely to be the only European giant eyeing up a move following a very difficult campaign in North London.

It is believed that talks over a new contract have been delayed, with signs beginning to point towards a big-money exit for the 25-year-old defender.

Given the worries that he could be forced to full-back by the incoming Van Hecke, it wouldn’t be a surprise at all to see him considering his options this summer.