Tottenham have ‘opened direct talks’ with Wolfsburg defender Micky van de Ven over a move to the club.
Ange Postecoglou is working on deals to improve his Spurs squad ahead of the new season and has made the signing of defensive reinforcements a priority, with the north Londoners opening talks with Van de Ven over a transfer to the Premier League.
The 22-year-old has been linked with Liverpool after a breakthrough season in the Bundesliga that saw the Dutchman make 36 appearances in all competitions. Fabrizio Romano is reporting that Spurs are set to submit a verbal proposal for Van de Ven, who is keen on the move.
The left-sided centre-back has attracted interest from Premier League clubs after an impressive run of performances for Wolfsburg last season. Van de Ven boasts impressive pace and ranked in the 90th percentile of defenders in Europe’s top five leagues for progressive carries and in the 93rd for successful take-ons per game.
Spurs are also considering a move for Bayer Leverkusen’s Edmond Tapsoba, but Van de Ven is viewed as a more affordable option.
A centre-back is next on the club’s list of priorities after the arrival of Italian goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario from Serie A side Empoli and the permanent deal to sign loanee Dejan Kulusevski from Juventus.
Spurs are also closing in on the signing of James Maddison from Leicester, with the England international expected to undergo a medical with the club this week.
