Schmeichel backs United and Liverpool to pursue Tottenham's Van de Ven

Peter Schmeichel has thrown his weight behind the idea of Manchester United or Liverpool making a summer raid for Tottenham's Micky van de Ven, hailing the Dutch centre-back as a standout talent.

The former United goalkeeper believes Van de Ven represents exactly the calibre of player the Premier League's elite should be chasing. Speaking to TipsBladet, Schmeichel waxed lyrical about the Spurs defender's qualities.

"He's been a revelation," Schmeichel explained. "He's a fantastic player. What stands out is his exceptional grasp of the game and his blistering pace – that's gold dust if you're trying to build from the back with attacking intent."

"Clubs like Manchester United or Liverpool ought to be sniffing around someone of his pedigree. How haven't they already?"

Van de Ven has caught plenty of eyes since his 2023 move from Wolfsburg to North London, establishing himself as a key figure in Tottenham's backline.

The speculation around United's defensive setup adds another layer to the debate. The Red Devils are mulling over whether to hand Harry Maguire fresh terms, whilst also weighing up opportunities to hand more minutes to academy prospects Leny Yoro and Ayden Heaven. Under interim boss Michael Carrick, United are operating with a back four featuring Maguire and Lisandro Martinez as the central pairing.

Should that arrangement continue and Maguire commit to a new contract, United's summer shopping list for centre-backs would likely shrink considerably – particularly with Matthijs de Ligt already struggling for minutes.

Didi Hamann has similarly flagged Van de Ven as a prime target for Liverpool, whilst also championing Borussia Dortmund's Nico Schlotterbeck. The former Liverpool midfielder reckons Schlotterbeck, who sits down the pecking order with just twelve months remaining on his Dortmund deal, would be a shrewd acquisition. Hamann highlighted the left-footer's commanding presence at Signal Iduna Park and his status as Germany's standout centre-back prospect.

Tottenham boss Thomas Frank has already made his position crystal clear on the matter. When quizzed about potential suitors circling Van de Ven, Frank was emphatic: the defender remains central to the club's immediate and long-term ambitions.

"He's absolutely someone we need to keep hold of," Frank stated. "Micky's integral to what we're building here and we're confident he'll keep improving. There's every reason to believe he'll be crucial to us achieving our objectives down the line."