Tottenham may need to move quickly to prevent a major exit Roberto De Zerbi will be dreading this summer. Spurs have just signed Jan Paul van Hecke on a big-money deal from Brighton, bolstering their defence.
The move is likely in anticipation of losing Cristian Romero, who is expected to move on when he is back from the World Cup. Van Hecke has emerged as one of the best centre-backs in the Premier League, while he has also been impressing with the Netherlands and is currently at the World Cup.
The Van Hecke is a huge statement from Spur as they continue to enjoy a bold transfer window, but there is a fresh concern at centre-back, and it doesn't involve Romero, with Micky van de Ven now being linked with an exit.
Barcelona come calling for van de Ven
Dutch reporter Mike Verweij has reported that Van de Ven is on Barcelona's shortlist as the LaLiga winners look to add depth to their back-line this summer. Barca are currently concentrating on the signing of a new striker following Robert LewDutchandowski's exit, but they are expected to circle back for a handful of other signings.
Barca have the potential to be a real lure for Van de Ven, who likely holds trophy ambitions. Meanwhile, with the knowledge that Romero is likely to leave this summer, Spurs would surely demand huge money to sell Van de Ven during this particular window.
The player asking to leave could complicate things, but that certainly won't be happening during the World Cup, with Van de Ven currently with the Netherlands.
Tottenham know the remedy
Tottenham already know they have business to take care of with Van de Ven this summer. The Dutchman is currently under contract until 2029, but Spurs are going to need to reward his performances with a pay rise this summer if they want to keep him around.
Van de Ven is good enough to play for a number of top clubs, and while this ambitious Tottenham transfer window will help convince the Dutchman of the current project, it's likely he will need a bumper new deal to agree to turn down the likes of Barcelona this summer.
Talk of interest from the Catalan giants shows Spurs need to make Van de Ven one of their priorities this summer, especially with the Romero factor. De Zerbi cannot afford to lose both of his starting centre-backs this summer, even with the Van Hecke signing.
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