Tottenham have been extremely busy rebuilding their defence and Roberto De Zerbi is now set to do battle with Liverpool in the summer transfer window.
Tottenham have completed their third signing of the summer after Jan Paul van Hecke joined from Brighton.
“I’ve been at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium as an opposition player,” the Netherlands international said after signing long-term contract.
“Now I’m looking forward to walking out there in front of our fans wearing the Spurs shirt. That will be a special moment.”
De Zerbi referenced the Dutchman’s leadership during their time at Brighton and again praised his maturity after Spurs sealed a £52m deal this week.
The manager’s top priority has been the defence with left-back Andy Robertson and centre-back Marcos Senesi joining on free transfers following a season in which the Lilywhites conceded the most goals of any team to remain in the Premier League.
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There are also question marks surrounding the futures of several current defenders however, with Djed Spence linked with Juventus, Cristian Romero being eyed by several top clubs and now Barcelona and Liverpool weighing up moves for Micky Van de Ven.
Fabrizio Romano shared an update on the futures of the two centre-backs this week, making it clear which one is more likely to leave North London this summer.
Romano shares update on Tottenham defensive duo
Indeed, speaking in his latest Youtube video, Romano confirmed Romero could depart following interest from Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid and Manchester United.
Van de Ven however has been personally handpicked by De Zerbi to lead his defence for years to come, and has been handed the same ‘untouchable’ tag as Pedro Porro, who recently signed a new contract.
“Micky Van de Ven leaving Tottenham, linked with Liverpool, linked with Barcelona, what’s the situation? What’s the story?
“Rememeber guys, I received the same questions two weeks about Pedro Porro, my answer was Pedro Porro was untouchable, my answer was he was an absolutely crucial player for Tottenham, and Tottenham renewed the contract.
“Now we are back at it with Van de Ven. What I can tell you guys is that Van de Ven is considered by management and by Tottenham coach De Zerbi as an absolutely crucial player.
“Tottenham count on Van de Ven and believe he is going to be a big part of the present and future.”
The reporter said ‘several clubs are interested’ in Romero and the Argentinian does not hold the same ‘not for sale’ tag as his Dutch teammate.
Romero played just 22 times in the top flight last season due to injuries and suspensions, while Van de Ven was able to rack up 35 games, each scoring four times apiece.
The deciding factor in Tottenham’s decision may be that the 25 year-old former Wolfsburg man is three years Romero’s junior, meaning they could get his prime years under De Zerbi and still potentially cash in for a profit further down the line.
Tottenham’s next priority in the transfer window is thought to be in midfield, where they have been linked with a move for Newcastle star Sandro Tonali.
Tottenham ready to pay £100m for star who’s been speaking directly to De Zerbi
The north Londoners are showing plenty of ambition this summer.
