Van de Ven's Heart Points to Anfield as Man Utd and Liverpool Circle

Micky van de Ven has reportedly made his choice clear: should he depart Tottenham this summer, Liverpool is where his heart lies.

Both Manchester United and Liverpool are scouring the market for defensive reinforcements, and the Spurs centre-back has emerged as a prime target for both clubs. The Dutchman could potentially become available should Tottenham's relegation battle take a turn for the worse, though a drop down the divisions would naturally impact his valuation.

Tottenham's position has brightened somewhat following their weekend victory over Aston Villa, which lifted them a point clear of the drop zone occupied by West Ham. Nonetheless, several clubs are already circling potential acquisitions from the north London outfit should the worst come to pass.

Former Manchester United midfielder Nicky Butt has made a strong case for his old club to pursue Van de Ven. Speaking to Paddy Power, Butt outlined the appeal: "Micky van de Ven is an excellent player. Having a left-footed centre-back provides great balance. They have Martinez, and whilst it's debatable how effective he is, he brings that balance to the team. Martinez has got a left foot, he can pass the ball. Van de Ven is similar but quicker, bigger, more powerful. I'd be looking at him straight away."

Butt also warned of potential bargain-hunting opportunities: "When they go down there will be teams picking them off their players for cheap as chips. They'll have to get rid of them because the wages are too high and I can guarantee you most of them won't have relegation clauses in their contract."

However, Van de Ven's preference tells a different story. According to reports, whilst both United and Liverpool are weighing up substantial bids for the Netherlands international, the player himself would plump for Merseyside without hesitation. A self-confessed Reds supporter with family ties to Liverpool, Van de Ven would prioritise Anfield above virtually any other destination, including Old Trafford, should both clubs submit formal proposals.

Liverpool's interest is genuine, with the club extremely keen on bringing him to the club this summer. The only reservation holding them back concerns his fitness record, which presents a question mark over whether to proceed with a deal.

Van de Ven himself acknowledged the difficulties facing Tottenham during their survival struggle. Ahead of the Aston Villa clash, he spoke to Sky Sports about adapting to Roberto de Zerbi's tactical demands: "Every manager has their own opinion of the game and Roberto wants us to play out more from the back. That's what he asked. He wants us to play with confidence and that is what we need to build but we don't have a long time left. We need to do it now.

"You don't want to look at the other results and just need to win. You can't say you don't look at the other team. Six games left to get as many points as possible. There is pressure now as we are in the relegation zone but we need to make sure we get out of this situation."