Thomas Frank has issued a hands-off warning to Liverpool and others eyeing a big-money summer raid on Micky Van de Ven.
The Netherlands international centre half is under contract until 2029 but is resisting attempts to sign a new improved deal with Tottenham languishing again in the bottom half of the Premier League.
Spurs go to Burnley on Saturday in 14th place, beset by injuries, with boss Frank under fire and fears have surfaced that Van de Ven suspects the North London club cannot match his ambitions.
Real Madrid have been linked to him in the past and Liverpool’s interest has intensified after Manchester City beat them to sign England centre half Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace.
‘He’s definitely a player we should prioritise,’ said Frank on Van de Ven, but confessed he did not know if contract negotiations had made progress. ‘Definitely, for me, Micky is a key player for this team and this club and hopefully for many years to come.
‘He has what it takes to be an even better player and I’ve no doubt he can help us to get us to where we want to be in the future.’*
Thomas Frank issued a hands off warning to clubs interested in Micky van de Ven (right)
The Dutch defender is ‘fantastic’ and is growing as a leader, according to his manager
Spurs paid Wolfsburg £34.5million for Ven de Ven in the summer of 2023. He proved an instant hit with his electric pace and ability to maraud forward out of defence with the ball at his feet.
The 24-year-old has scored six this season, including one spectacular solo goal with a run from deep inside his own half of the pitch against Copenhagen in the Champions League in November.
He has been promoted this season to the players’ leadership group, captaining the team in the absence of Cristian Romero and appears to have overcome hamstring problems which plagued his first two seasons in London.
‘I just saw him, and he seemed very happy, smiling,’ said Frank on Thursday when asked if Van de Ven was still happy at Spurs. ‘He was happy after the game that we won when he was in the changing room after the game.
‘Micky is an excellent player and a fantastic ambassador for this club. He has potentially the best season he’s had so far.
‘He’s fit, he’s strong, good defensively. He’s growing as a leader, scoring goals as well. He’s a very important player for us this season and for the future.’
Spurs confirmed they have completed signing of Souza from Santos.
