Liverpool suffer blow as Premier League rivals refuse to sell key target

Liverpool have suffered a major blow in their pursuit of Tottenham Hotspur defender Micky van de Ven. As claimed by Football Insider correspondent Pete O'Rourke, Spurs have absolutely no plans to part ways with their star defender.

The Reds are long-term admirers of the Dutch defender and were linked with him when Tottenham signed him from VfL Wolfsburg in 2023. They have since kept monitoring the versatile defender and reportedly see him as the potential successor to Virgil van Dijk.

Van Dijk is now 35 years of age and his current deal at Anfield expires next summer. The Liverpool skipper remains a key player for the Merseyside giants but they are looking to replace him in the long run.

Micky van de Ven has been heavily linked with a move to Liverpool butTottenham Hotspur are reportedly desperate to keep their star defender. The 25-year-old signed a new deal at the club this summer and was also appointed club captain.

Spurs manager Roberto De Zerbi is a huge fan of the Dutchman and has played him in his preferred centre-back role. However, he is also equally comfortable at left-back and has played regularly as a full-back for the Netherlands.

Tottenham are believed to be relaxed about the defender's situation, with his contract not expiring before the summer of 2031. Apart from Liverpool, Manchester United are also reportedly keen on the left-footed defender.

Van de Ven has made 101 appearances for Spurs to date, scoring 10 goals and providing three assists. He is excellent on the ball and is particularly known for his blistering pace.

Thierry Henry sends warning to Liverpool star Bradley Barcola French great Thierry Henry hassent a warningto Liverpool winger Bradley Barcola. The former Arsenal striker has claimed that the Frenchman needs to hit the ground running given the fee the Reds splashed out for his services.

Henry said: "With winning the Champions League back-to-back, playing for France, with the price tag and the quality that he has, people are not going to wait for him to become the finished article, so he's going to have to deliver. There is going to be a level of expectation, and sometimes he is a bit raw in his finishing, but he creates a hell of a lot."