Tottenham Hotspur's Micky van de Ven and Dominic Solanke. (Getty)
Tottenham Hotspur are staring down a highly unexpected relegation battle after a dramatic collapse in form.
Now on their third manager of the season following the appointment of Roberto De Zerbi, Spurs sit 18th in the table with just five matches remaining.
With only three points separating them from West Ham and their Premier League status increasingly uncertain, their survival is no longer in their own hands. Should relegation become reality, it is expected that several key players will look to leave the club in search of top-flight football elsewhere.
Among those attracting attention is one of their standout defenders, who is already being tracked by a Premier League rival.
United Monitoring Van de Ven
Manchester United are keeping close tabs on Micky van de Ven as they assess defensive reinforcements ahead of the summer window, according to reports from The Athletic.
The 25-year-old centre-back, described as “special” by former Spurs defender Michael Dawson, is expected to draw strong interest regardless of Tottenham’s final league position. His contract runs until 2029, meaning Spurs remain in a strong negotiating position — although relegation would significantly alter the dynamics around any potential sale.
United are actively looking at centre-back options as they prepare for a season that could include Champions League football. While there is confidence within the club that young defenders such as Ayden Heaven and Leny Yoro can develop into a top-level partnership, recruitment staff believe additional experience is still required to handle the demands of a full campaign.
Concerns also remain over the injury records of Lisandro Martinez and Matthijs de Ligt, while Harry Maguire, now 33, is expected to need careful rotation despite strong recent form.
Van de Ven is seen as an ideal profile due to his pace, ball-carrying ability and aggressive defending. He has also contributed offensively this season, scoring seven goals in 40 appearances, with his assist against Manchester United at Old Trafford last year still fresh in the memory of supporters.
However, United are not alone in their admiration. Liverpool have previously shown interest, while other top European clubs are also expected to monitor developments.
Player sales may be required to fund incoming transfers, with Manuel Ugarte among those who could be made available after an underwhelming spell since his £50.5m move from Paris Saint-Germain.
Van de Ven’s situation is likely to become one of the more closely watched stories of the summer window. Whether Tottenham survive or not, United’s interest underlines a clear intent to strengthen at the back with pace, power and long-term potential in mind.
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