Barcelona and Liverpool enter transfer battle for Tottenham’s standout defender
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Barcelona have stepped up their search for a left-footed centre-back ahead of the summer transfer window, and a new name is now gaining serious attention.
According to reports from the Netherlands, Tottenham Hotspur defender Micky van de Ven has emerged as one of the players being closely monitored by the Catalan giants.
AdvertisementAdvertisementThe Dutch international has been one of the few bright spots in an otherwise disappointing season for Tottenham.
While the North London side struggled for consistency and found themselves under pressure for large parts of the campaign, Van de Ven continued to strengthen his reputation as one of the most reliable young defenders in European football.
Barcelona and Liverpool keeping a close watch
As reported by De Telegraaf, both Barcelona and Liverpool are following Van de Ven’s situation closely as they look to reinforce their defensive units.
The two clubs have been exploring the market for a high-level left-footed centre-back, a profile that remains difficult to find at the elite level.
Van de Ven could be on the move this summer. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)
AdvertisementAdvertisementIt must be remembered that Barcelona had previously invested significant effort in pursuing Inter Milan defender Alessandro Bastoni.
However, that operation never advanced due to Inter’s firm stance and the high financial demands attached to the Italian international.
With that route proving difficult, attention appears to have shifted towards Van de Ven, who fits many of the characteristics Barcelona are seeking.
Contract talks could open the door
A major factor behind the growing interest is the uncertainty surrounding the defender’s future at Tottenham.
The Premier League side has reportedly been working for months to secure a new agreement with the player. However, negotiations have not progressed as expected, and there appears to be a significant gap between both parties.
As things stand, an agreement is not close, which could encourage Van de Ven to assess opportunities elsewhere.
Barcelona and Liverpool are interested in Van de Ven. (Photo by Francois Nel/Getty Images)
The report suggests that the Dutch defender is open to evaluating offers from clubs that can offer greater sporting ambitions and a stronger platform to compete for major trophies.
If contract talks remain stalled, Tottenham could eventually be forced to discuss a potential transfer fee this summer.
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Another factor that could influence his exit is Tottenham’s decision to bring back highly-rated defender Luka Vuskovic following an impressive loan spell at Hamburg.
AdvertisementAdvertisementWith a potential replacement already available, the English club may be better positioned to consider offers if the contract situation remains unresolved in the coming months.
The Dutch defender has a contract with Tottenham until 2029, meaning there is absolutely no panic within the London club.
And with two clubs battling for his signature, they have to leverage to juice out the best possible deal if they approve a summer exit.
Badenoch blasts 'moaning' female Labour MPs over Burnham jobs 'quota'
Kemi Badenoch has told Labour women to earn a job in Andy Burnham's Cabinet instead of demanding they are handed jobs because of their gender.
The Tory leader lashed out today amid reports that female MPs are demanding the de-facto new prime minister introduce a 50:50 gender split 'quota' in his government.
Amid reports that former foreign secretary David Miliband is being lined up to return to the role, possibly with his brother Ed as Chancellor, one female minister also complained that Burnham could not have 'more Milibands than women' in the top posts.
But in a scathing article in the Times today Mrs Badenoch told them to 'stop moaning' and get chosen on merit instead of retreating into 'more of the failed identity politics that is holding back our country'.
'There are many, many reasons why you shouldn't have any Milibands in the cabinet,' she said.
'But complaining that the boys haven't given them the right jobs or that the boys are taking all the jobs, just shows that Labour's women still don't get it.'
The idea of quotas was also attacked by Baroness Jacqui Smith, Labour's Skills Minister.
Asked by Times Radio if Mr Burnham should reserve jobs for women, she said: 'No, I think what Andy Burnham should be doing is building the very best team around him to change this country.'
A letter written by the Women's Parliamentary Labour Party has called on Mr Burnham to ensure a 50:50 split between men and women in government jobs
Amid reports that former foreign secretary David Miliband (above, right, in 2010) is being lined up to return to the role, possibly with his brother Ed as Chancellor, one female minister complained that Burnham could not have 'more Milibands than women' in the top posts
But Mrs Badenoch told them to pipe down and get chosen on merit instead of retreating into 'more of the failed identity politics that is holding back our country'
A letter written by the Women's Parliamentary Labour Party and seen by the BBC has called on Mr Burnham to ensure a 50:50 split between men and women in government jobs after he succeeds Sir Keir Starmer.
'We are asking you to demonstrate this change from day one and address the toxicity and misogyny within our own party and government,' it said.
Labour has never had a female leader, while the Conservatives have had three, and Mrs Badenoch urged the government to follow its meritocratic example.
'If you run a meritocracy, then you do not have to worry about jobs for the boys,' she wrote.
'Every woman who is a Conservative MP, every woman who has ever won the leadership, has had to fight to get where she is.
'By contrast, Labour women are demanding guarantees from Burnham. But the truth is he doesn't have to give any guarantees.
'If none of Labour's women are prepared to get their hands dirty and challenge him for the leadership, their demands are toothless.'
'In fact, it's quite revealing that the women's parliamentary Labour Party has written to Burnham asking him to commit himself to at least 50 per cent female ministers.
'This has nothing to do with meritocracy. It is yet more of the failed identity politics that is holding back our country.'
