Tottenham ‘open talks with Liverpool target Micky van de Ven’ and eye two others

Tottenham have opened talks with Wolfsburg’s highly-rated defender Micky van de Ven, according to reports.

New boss Ange Postecoglou has been keen to rebuild Spurs’ defence this summer and has identified a number of different options for the club to sign.

One of those, who has also drawn interest from Premier League rivals Liverpool, is Dutch U21 star van de Ven. 

According to Fabrizio Romano, the north London club have began direct talks with Wolfsburg over a move for the 22-year-old. 

It’s reported that the defender is keen on a move to Spurs and that a verbal proposal will be submitted soon for the centre-back.  

Tottenham have entered direct talks over a move for highly-rated defender Micky van de Ven

Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou has been tasked with a summer rebuild at the north London club

While Spurs are looking for defensive reinforcements this summer, it’s emerged that they are currently not interested in re-signing Clement Lenglet.  

The 28-year-old spent last season on loan at Spurs from Barcelona and made 35 appearances. 

But it is understood that their new focus is on three main targets: Bayer Leverkusen’s Edmond Tapsoba, Wolfsburg’s Micky van de Ven, and Fulham’s Tosin Adarabioyo. 

Fabrizio Romano announced the development, naming the first two in his tweet. 

A couple of weeks ago, Mail Sport’s Simon Jones was ahead of the curve in revealing that Adarabioyo, 25, was set to leave Craven Cottage after failing to agree new terms and that Spurs were interested in him. 

Tapsoba, 24, has won admirers for his performances at the heart of a Xabi-Alonso-led Leverkusen defence and Spurs have reportedly opened talks with him. 

Meanwhile, 22-year-old van de Ven has made a name for himself this season after becoming a regular at Wolfsburg, who finished 8th in the Bundesliga. 

The central defender, who is also a target for Liverpool, said it ‘would be nice’ to move to the Premier League but his current employers want £26million for him.  

Spurs will be able to make a clearer-headed decision when they get the James Maddison deal over the line, with a verbal agreement struck with Leicester over a £45m, £170,000-per-week deal. 

Clement Lenglet is not a priority for Spurs, according to transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano

Tosin Adarabioyo has emerged as a target for Tottenham after failed contract talks with Fulham

Edmond Tapsoba is a high-priority target and talks have reportedly already begun with him

They need defensive reinforcements after Davinson Sanchez decided he wants to leave after making just eight league starts this season, and Eric Dier’s contract will expire next summer. 

Among other sides, they are keen on Marc Guehi, but Crystal Palace’s asking price of £60million is substantial for the 22-year-old England international. 

The club are also interested in Torino’s 24-year-old captain Alessandro Buongiorno.