United plotting shock move for 24-yo Tottenham star, told to pay record fee to get the deal done – report

Over the last 12 months, Tottenham Hotspur have got the better of Manchester United both on and off the pitch. Spurs beat United in the Europa League to end their 17-year wait for a major trophy. Ruben Amorim’s departure has seemingly impacted United’s transfer plans for the winter transfer window. The Portuguese head coach was thought to be keen on signing Conor Gallagher. Earlier this month, the North London club acted swiftly to secure Gallagher’s services from Atletico Madrid. However, United are believed to be eyeing an ambitious swoop for one of Tottenham’s best players. Manchester United interested in Micky van de Ven According to Teamtalk, Tottenham Hotspur are aware of interest from Manchester United in their central defender Micky van de Ven. The Netherlands international, who joined Spurs from VfL Wolfsburg in 2023, has established himself as one of the side’s undisputed starters and most consistent performers. Tottenham are keen to tie the 24-year-old to a new long-term deal, which would see his salary doubled. His current contract is due to run until the summer of 2029. However, Thomas Frank’s side find themselves languishing in 14th place in the Premier League. The club’s hierarchy know that there is “little chance of persuading” the Dutchman to renew. As such, talks over a new deal are “not progressing at any sort of pace.” Tottenham to demand record fee for Van de Ven Amid this situation, United and Liverpool are reportedly keeping tabs on Van de Ven. It is claimed that United have “tracked the centre-back since his Wolfsburg days” and view him as “an ideal profile for their rebuild.” The report further adds: “Both clubs admire his blend of recovery pace, composure, and left‑sided balance – attributes that are increasingly rare and, as it turns out, extremely expensive.” Given the growing interest, the Lilywhites have allegedly slapped a massive £100 million price tag on Van de Ven’s head. This figure would make the Tottenham star the most expensive defender in football history, overtaking Harry Maguire who joined United in a deal worth £80m from Leicester City in 2019. Maguire has entered the final six months of his contract at Old Trafford and is expected to depart in the summer, intensifying United’s search for a new defensive leader. Featured image George Wood via Getty Images The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Vishal Singh Vishal has worked in the football media industry for over six years, planning, writing, and editing content for several major outlets, including North Star Network. Vishal has a bachelor’s degree in English Literature from Delhi University. Currently a writer at The Peoples Person, he covers Manchester United — a club he has been religiously following and supporting since 2012. Vishal also manages a leading MUFC fan page, The Red Devils, on Facebook with over a million likes. Big fan of ball-playing centre-backs and Harry Maguire’s knee-slide celebration!