Tottenham ‘to hold Micky van de Ven talks’ amid Real Madrid whispers
Tottenham are planning to hold talks with Micky van de Ven over the offer of a new contract amid links with a potential move to Real Madrid.
That is according to former Tottenham and Man United senior scout Mick Brown, who remains very well-connected at his previous clubs, as he exclusively told Football Insider that the 24-year-old is seen as a crucial player for Spurs.
Football Insider first revealed in September that Real Madrid are eyeing Van de Ven as a top target as they aim to improve their defensive unit in 2026.
While a January deal is extremely unlikely, Tottenham are expected to take action to prevent a summer exit and plan to tie the Netherlands international down long-term.
Van de Ven has impressed for Tottenham despite what has been an impressive season, and although his current deal runs until 2029, they want to reward his recent form.
Tottenham plan Micky van de Ven contract talks
Brown told Football Insider in September that Tottenham are planning contract talks with Van de Ven, and they are expected to take place before the season ends.
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, insisted that Frank has no plans to lose any of his key players, despite interest from Madrid.
“There’s been a lot of talk about Van de Ven,” he told Football Insider.
“Real Madrid are definitely one to keep an eye on, they want new defenders and won’t be shy of looking in the Premier League if there is somebody they want.
“He has been spoken about in connection with them before, so maybe that’s something that could come up again at the end of the season.
“Tottenham don’t want that to happen, of course, they want to get him on a new contract.
“For me, he’s a little bit hot and cold in that he’ll be amazing one week and then you don’t see much of him the next, but there’s no doubt he’s an important player.
“From Spurs point of view, they don’t want to be losing any of their key players any time soon.
“So they’ll be sitting down with Van de Ven and attempting to extend his deal and maybe put off any interest there is in him, from Real Madrid or somebody else.”
Tottenham plan to back Thomas Frank in January
While plans are being put in place to keep hold of their best players in the mid-season window, Spurs are also keen to bolster in key positions.
Brown told Football Insider on 30 December that Tottenham are considering signing Omar Marmoush as they aim to add a new wide attacker to Frank’s squad.
Marmoush, who is currently at the Africa Cup of Nations with Egypt, has started just four games across all competitions after falling out of favour at the Etihad.
As a result, there have been suggestions he would be keen on a move away in search of regular first-team football if he cannot work his way back in to the City XI.
However, Brown told Football Insider on 4 January that Marmoush could snub a move to Tottenham in favour of remaining at the Etihad.
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