Van de Ven Eyes Liverpool Switch as United Lurk Should Spurs Take the Drop

Tottenham's Micky van de Ven harbours a preference for joining Liverpool this summer, with Manchester United ready to pounce on the Netherlands international should the unthinkable happen and Spurs tumble out of the Premier League, according to journalist Ben Jacobs.

Roberto De Zerbi's beleaguered outfit face a Sunday showdown with Everton at home knowing victory will secure their top-flight status for another season. The stakes could hardly be higher. West Ham, sitting two points adrift and hosting Leeds, will relegate Tottenham if they manage a win whilst the North Londoners falter against the Toffees.

Demotion to the Championship would trigger a fire sale at Spurs, with players of Van de Ven's calibre heading for the exits to avoid the financial quagmire of second-tier football.

Speaking on The United Stand, Jacobs outlined the contrasting scenarios facing the 23-year-old: "Micky van de Ven, they (Manchester United) won't make an approach unless Tottenham go down. If Tottenham stay up, I think Micky van de Ven will likely sign a new deal, but a bit like Senesi, quite an open situation."

The pundit suggested that whilst Liverpool represent Van de Ven's preferred destination, the Reds have not yet entered the conversation. "If Liverpool enter that race, Van de Ven would want to join Liverpool, but they haven't entered that race," Jacobs explained. "So, let's kind of be a bit patient on that one because Van de Ven is only focused on trying to keep Tottenham up at this stage."

Jacobs added that the defender harbours genuine affection for his manager. "From what I gather, he really enjoys playing under Roberto De Zerbi, but he's not necessarily the kind of player that wants to drop into the Championship, even if he likes the manager."

Liverpool's Dutch Connection

Former Liverpool winger Jermaine Pennant has already made his case for the Reds to pursue Van de Ven, highlighting the defender's suitability for Arne Slot's system.

"100 per cent," Pennant told talkSPORT when asked whether Liverpool should move for the Tottenham man. "Because the way we play, sometimes we play up a high line, he's got pace. He can get us out of a lot of trouble. He's also good on the ball. He can run with the ball and those darting run-throughs, piercing the attack line."

Pennant contrasted Van de Ven's attributes with those of current Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konaté. "Konate's totally the opposite," he noted.

The prospect of Van de Ven reuniting with fellow Dutchman Virgil van Dijk could prove an additional draw, particularly under Slot, who has shown a penchant for recruiting from his homeland. "I think that would," Pennant said of the international connection. "I think also with Arne Slot as well. Obviously he loves his Dutch players."

Pennant concluded his assessment by emphasising the quality of a potential pairing. "I think that would be a very good signing – Van de Ven. Like I said, his pace would get us out of so much trouble. Two players who can have the ball at their feet, who are good."