Tottenham Hold Firm on Van de Ven: Real Madrid Must Offer Rodrygo for Spurs to Budge

Real Madrid's advances for Micky van de Ven have hit a wall at Tottenham, with the north London club refusing to budge unless the Spanish giants sweeten their offer considerably.

Van de Ven has emerged as one of the Premier League's standout centre-backs when fit, though persistent injury troubles over the last 18 months have hampered his availability. Nevertheless, the Spurs defender possesses all the hallmarks of a player destined for elite company, and many observers reckon he's already outgrown his current surroundings ahead of what looks like an inevitable summer exit.

Real Madrid have identified the Dutch defender as a priority defensive target and are reportedly willing to explore a swap arrangement rather than meet Tottenham's €80 million (£69m) asking price. However, their opening gambit—offering Franco Mastantuono plus €15 million—falls well short of what Spurs are prepared to accept. According to Spanish reports, Tottenham have drawn a clear line: they would only consider a swap deal if Brazil international Rodrygo forms part of the arrangement.

Liverpool remain circling as well, though they face a crowded field in the race for Van de Ven's signature. The Reds are on the verge of landing Jeremy Jacquet from Rennes, yet the futures of Joe Gomez and Ibrahima Konate remain uncertain, while Virgil van Dijk's career is entering its twilight years. That trio of concerns suggests Liverpool may need to add depth to their backline this summer.

Notably, it was Tottenham who fended off Liverpool's interest to secure Van de Ven originally, though the current Premier League champions have hardly gone away quietly in their pursuit of the defender.

Former Liverpool midfielder Didi Hamann recently suggested his old club explore other defensive options if Van de Ven proves unattainable. He highlighted Borussia Dortmund's Nico Schlotterbeck as a potential alternative, praising the left-footed centre-back's impact at the German club and noting that with just one year remaining on his contract, a move might prove feasible. Hamann also mentioned Harry Maguire as a possibility should the Manchester United defender become available on a free transfer, though he acknowledged the need for depth rather than a marquee signing in that particular case.