Liverpool told which Premier League centre-back is perfect fit amid Micky van de Ven and Marcos Senesi transfer links

Liverpool have been told to make a play for Micky van de Ven this summer as he would complement Virgil van Dijk perfectly.

Tottenham are at risk of relegation heading into the final three games of the season, star defender Van de Ven is expected to leave north London in the summer even if his side avoid the drop.

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Valued at £100million by Spurs, the rapid Dutchman has admirers from a number of big name clubs, and was recently tipped to join Spanish giants Barcelona.

Among those credited with an interest are Liverpool, who are keen to strengthen defensively after a disappointing season.

The Reds have been limited at centre-back this term, with captain Van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate their only fit pairing for much of it.

While Konate now looks set to stay at Anfield after speculation over his future, a turbulent season means Arne Slot could explore other options in the summer.

Young Frenchman Jeremy Jacquet will join Liverpool in the summer after a deal was agreed in January, while Giovanni Leoni is nearing a return having sustained an ACL injury on his debut for the club back in September.

But with both players viewed as longer-term options, the Merseyside outfit remain on the lookout for proven central defenders.

As well as an interest in Van de Ven, talkSPORT understands Liverpool are considering a hijack for his potential successor at Spurs.

The Reds are said to be keeping tabs on Bournemouth’s Marcos Senesi, who has already verbally agreed to join Tottenham when his contract expires in the summer, assuming they avoid relegation to the Championship.

Taylor made?

Appearing on talkSPORT’s Inside Liverpool, ex-Reds winger Jermaine Pennant had his say on the club’s linked centre-backs, and insisted Van de Ven is exactly who they need.

Asked if Liverpool should consider the sought-after Spurs man, Pennant replied: “100 per cent.

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“Because the way we play, sometimes we play up a high line, he’s got pace. He can get us out of a lot of trouble. He’s also good on the ball.

“He can run with the ball and those darting run-throughs, piercing the attack line. Konate’s totally the opposite.”

Since joining Tottenham from Wolfsburg in 2023, Van de Ven has established himself among the best defenders in the Premier League.

He is known for his pace, allowing him to comfortably sit in a high-line defensive system, whilst being the perfect covering centre-back.

And Pennant highlighted these qualities, as well as Van de Ven being an international teammate of Van Dijk’s, thus making him the perfect fit for Liverpool.

Asked if the latter aspect would benefit Van de Ven at Anfield, Pennant was clear: “I think that would.

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“I think also with Arne Slot as well. Obviously he loves his Dutch players.”

He added: “I think that would be a very good signing – Van de Ven. Like I said, his pace would get us out of so much trouble.

“Two players who can have the ball at their feet, who are good.”

Record-breaking Reds?

Should anyone cough up Van de Ven’s £100m asking price, he would become the most expensive defender in football history with the record currently held by Harry Maguire when he joined Manchester United for £80m.

It’s fair to say he has proven his credentials at Spurs, having been an ever-present since his arrival in north London in 2023.

The 25-year-old has gone on to make 93 appearances for Tottenham, during which time he has helped the club to Europa League glory last year, as well as donning the captain’s armband on multiple occasions this term.

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But with Spurs now at real risk of relegation, sitting two points outside of the bottom three with three games of the season to go, it looks increasingly likely Van de Ven will take his talents elsewhere next season.

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