Manchester United tipped to complete big-money move for a Tottenham center-back.
Tim Sherwood believes Manchester United should move decisively for Tottenham Hotspur’s Micky van de Ven before rivals hijack the deal.
Manchester United have been urged to launch a big-money move for Tottenham’s Micky van de Ven, with former Spurs boss Tim Sherwood insisting the Red Devils cannot afford to miss out on one of the Premier League’s elite defenders.
The Dutch international has continued impressing despite Tottenham’s disastrous campaign that sees them languishing in 15th place and fighting relegation. When fully fit, Van de Ven is undoubtedly among England’s finest center-backs, and several top clubs are monitoring his situation closely.
TEAMtalk sources confirmed on January 22 that United, along with Liverpool, are keen to sign the 23-year-old, while Real Madrid have also been heavily linked. However, he won’t come cheap, with Spurs understood to value Van de Ven at around £100 million.
Sherwood has now stated that United “won’t want to miss out” should the defender pursue a move away from struggling Tottenham. He said (h/t TEAMtalk):
“If he proves his fitness, I think there will be a queue around the block for him. Hopefully Tottenham can keep hold of him but you know what it’s like when a player decides he wants to leave. Unfortunately, if you don’t let him go, you’re left without the money and the player in the end.”
The former Spurs manager continued by highlighting United’s pulling power.
“United are a club that can go from where they have been to the top quicker than most because they’ve got the brand power, the money to do it. They can pay the big wages for the big players. They missed the boat before. They could have signed Declan Rice and Harry Kane. Instead, they ended up with seven or eight signings who were alright but mostly very poor. They won’t want to miss the boat this time on Van de Ven.”
Tottenham face uphill battle to convince Micky van de Ven to stay
Sherwood acknowledged that Tottenham face a monumental task convincing Van de Ven to remain amid their relegation battle.
“I think the only real way they keep hold of him is if Mickey decides that there might be a bright future ahead at Tottenham, and right now they’re down in (15th) in the Premier League and out of the running for the two domestic cups. They’re flying high in the Champions League but there are stiffer tests to come in that competition.”
Harry Maguire’s contract expires at season’s end, and United are yet to decide whether to offer an extension. Regardless of that decision, it’s believed United will pursue a new center-back this summer, with Van de Ven atop their shortlist.
Whether United will match Tottenham’s £100 million valuation remains uncertain, particularly with Liverpool and other elite clubs circling. The Red Devils must move decisively to secure his signature before rivals intervene.
For Tottenham, keeping Van de Ven represents their best hope of retaining any credibility. Losing their most impressive performer to a rival would symbolize complete capitulation and potentially accelerate their descent toward the Championship.