Liverpool are allegedly plotting a shock swoop for Tottenham Hotspur defender Micky van de Ven, whom they want to sign regardless of Virgil van Dijk's future.
The Reds still stand to lose captain Van Dijk when his contract expires at the end of the season, although it was recently claimed that the 33-year-old's renewal at Anfield was 'as good as done'.
Van Dijk has repeatedly remained coy on discussions behind closed doors when questioned by the media, but it is understood that the Dutchman is longing for another couple of years on Merseyside.
However, while Van Dijk looks set to continue with the Premier League leaders, there could still be a major defensive upheaval, as Ibrahima Konate is said to be tempted by a move to Paris Saint-Germain, according to ESPN.
Meanwhile, Joe Gomez was also heavily linked with an exit last summer after struggling for game time, and his situation could be reassessed at the end of the season, where Nat Phillips and Rhys Williams are likely to move on too.
Liverpool view Van de Ven as 'elite Champions League level' player
According to Football Insider, Liverpool are expected to sign a new defender regardless of Van Dijk's contract situation, and the Reds are 'very keen' to bring Van de Ven to Merseyside.
The former Wolfsburg man has earned plenty of plaudits since joining Ange Postecoglou's side in 2023, in particular being heralded for his blistering pace and tremendous recovery tackles.
Van de Ven is said to be 'hugely rated' by Liverpool boss and compatriot Arne Slot, who is familiar with the player's personality, and he is seen as an 'elite-level Champions League player' by the Anfield hierarchy.
Thanks to the 23-year-old being left-footed, the Premier League leaders are also confident that he would be an ideal fit in the backline alongside either Konate or Van Dijk, both of whom are right-footed.
Van de Ven has scored three goals and set up two more in 41 matches for Tottenham across all competitions, and the Netherlands international is also capable of filling in as a left-back.
Is Van de Ven to Liverpool realistic?
Van de Ven's age, quick adaptation to Premier League football and close national team connection with Van Dijk ostensibly makes him the perfect fit for the Reds, but it is of course not that simple.
Tottenham tied Van de Ven down to a six-year deal upon his arrival in 2023, meaning that his current terms run until the summer of 2029, and Daniel Levy would no doubt demand a tidy profit on the £33.3m that he agreed to shell out for him.
Furthermore, the centre-back's time in North London has been blighted by injuries of late, and he has been restricted to just 12 appearances in all competitions this season due to three separate issues, two hamstring and one knee.
Van de Ven made a momentary return from his latest hamstring problem last month, only to immediately re-enter the treatment room, and Postecoglou has admitted that it could be another couple of weeks before he comes back again.
Liverpool may therefore harbour understandable concerns about the defender's fitness record, and if that shows no sign of improving in the coming months, do not expect the Reds to spend £40m+ on an injury-prone Van de Ven. body check tags ::
