Tottenham still at least €5 million short on Micky van de Ven negotiations

As if we didn’t know this deal would face a final roadblock or two, with Tottenham reportedly about €5 million shy of securing Micky van de Ven.

On Wednesday, Tottenham submitted a €40 million bid for van de Ven plus €5 million in add-ons, which Wolfsburg has reportedly turned down.

The German club wants €50 million all in, which would include the initial €5 million in add-ons Tottenham already proposed.

In addition to the €5 million gulf, Wolfsburg wants more attainable add-on stipulations and an overall easier add-on package.

So, no here we go, at least for now.

With the clubs only separated by €5 million, you’d hope a deal is imminent. It’s a paltry amount, just over £4 million, especially in the current football landscape.

It’s probably what one of Joe Lewis’ romantic confidants would have earned from a single tip off, allegedly speaking of course. Let’s get this deal across the line and not argue over what is tantamount to pocket change for Daniel Levy and the rest of his cronies.

But knowing how Levy negotiates, nothing is for certain, as evident by the latest month of inaction on both centre-back fronts, van de Ven and Edmond Tapsoba.

Speaking of Tapsoba, Spurs are reportedly set to offer €45 million for the Bayer Leverkusen centre-back, yet again falling short of the German club’s almost €60 million valuation.

Every supporter knows what to do now. Wait, wait, and wait some more. Who knows when the van de Ven transfer will happen, if ever.

The master micro-manager himself is intimately involved in the negotiation process with Wolfsburg, which will add to supporters’ already high-stress levels, who understand just how critical signing van de Ven is for the forthcoming season.