Liverpool are reportedly ready to join Tottenham Hotspur in the battle to sign Wolfsburg centre-back Micky van de Ven this summer.
The Netherlands Under-21 international - who is currently representing his country at the Under-21 European Championships - enjoyed a breakthrough season under Niko Kovac last term.
Van de Ven contributed one goal and two assists from 36 matches across all competitions, largely operating as a centre-back but also filling in on the left-hand side.
After making just five appearances during his debut campaign with Wolfsburg, the 22-year-old started 33 Bundesliga matches in 2022-23 as Kovac's men just missed out on a place in Europe.
Van de Ven's exploits at club level saw him make the Jong Oranje squad for the 2023 Under-21 Euros, and he has played every minute of his country's two draws with Belgium and Portugal so far.
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Van de Ven has helped the Netherlands keep seven clean sheets and concede just three goals in his 10 appearances for the Under-21s, and he is believed to have attracted glances from Tottenham.
However, the Lilywhites could face stiff competition for his signature, as Football Insider claims that Liverpool have also been alerted to Van de Ven's recent rise.
Jurgen Klopp supposedly believes that Van de Ven is capable of thriving in a four-man and three-man backline, as the Reds boss allows Trent Alexander-Arnold to continue in his effective inverted position for the 2023-24 season and beyond.
As a result, the Wolfsburg man has supposedly emerged as a key target for the Anfield giants, who are now laying the groundwork for a possible summer deal.
Van de Ven only signed a new contract with his current club in March, though, and with those terms running until 2027, the Bundesliga club can demand a hefty fee to sanction a sale.
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The 22-year--old came through the youth system at Volendam before signing for Wolfsburg for just £3m in 2021, and Kovac's side have apparently slapped a £25.8m price tag on the Dutchman's head.
Liverpool could try to bolster their rearguard if Joel Matip departs this summer after falling down the pecking order, and the Cameroonian's contract now only has 12 months left to run.
Nat Phillips is also expected to be offloaded permanently, while right-back Calvin Ramsay has joined Preston North End on loan, and Rhys Williams is supposedly set for another temporary exit.
At the same time, Liverpool are on the lookout for more midfield reinforcements after signing Alexis Mac Allister from Brighton & Hove Albion for £35m, with Klopp said to be after at least two more new faces in the engine room.
The Reds are rumoured to have agreed personal terms with Nice starlet Khephren Thuram, and are keeping tabs on Celta Vigo protege Gabri Veiga, but they may have to battle Chelsea to bring the latter to England.
Ben Knapton
