Tottenham transfers: Postecoglou in dreamland as Levy opens ‘direct talks’ for Liverpool target; Romano says he’s ‘keen on move’

Tottenham are hoping to finalise the signing of one of Ange Postecoglou’s major summer targets after opening what has been described as ‘direct talks’ for Wolfsburg defender Micky van de Ven.

The Australian coach is looking to make his mark at N7, having been charged with reviving their flagging fortunes earlier this month. And with Tottenham finishing the 2022/23 season in a lowly eighth, many will hope the only way is up under Postecoglou.

However, the club finds themselves in something of a state of flux with a number of their players. Indeed, their main uncertainty centres once again around talismanic striker Harry Kane. Having already rejected one offer from Bayern Munich, the Germans are ready to come again. And with the likes of Manchester United and PSG waiting in the wings, it does feel genuinely like Spurs could lose their most potent attacking weapon once and for all.

Nonetheless, issues of Kane’s future are being put, to a certain extent, on the backburner for Postecoglou. From the Aussie’s point of view, all he can do is recommend players he wants and leave it for Levy to set about bringing them in.

To that end, the club have already landed upon their new No 1 in Guglielmo Vicario, the Italy keeper arriving in a £17m deal from Empoli.

He looks set to follow James Maddison to north London, with a medical due to take place on Wednesday. If all goes to plan, Spurs will secure the signing of the Leicester man for a fee of £40m.

Now a third signing of the summer is also in the works according to Fabrizio Romano.

READ MORE: Tottenham braced for ‘improved’ Harry Kane offer as Levy signs off second well-known academy product’s sale

Tottenham open talks for Micky van de Ven

To that end, Wolfsburg defender Van de Ven has found himself strongly linked with a Premier League move this summer.

Indeed, he has very much found himself strongly linked with Liverpool. Their new sporting director Jorg Schmadtke has identified the Dutchman as a potential defensive target for the Merseysiders this summer.

So strong were those links that Van de Ven even opened up on the possibility of moving to Merseyside this summer.

However, it now appears that north London is a more likely landing place for the 22-year-old centre-half.

And according to Romano, Tottenham have barged their way past Liverpool in pursuit of the Netherlands Under-21 international.

Per the trusted Italian reporter, he says Spurs have opened talks with Wolfsburg over the deal.

He tweeted: “Tottenham have opened direct talks with Wolfsburg for Micky van de Ven. Dutch centre back is among top targets. Verbal proposal set to be submitted as van de Ven is keen on the move.”

Reports on Tuesday suggest Levy and Spurs will pay Wolfsburg around €30m (£26m) for Van de Ven.

Tottenham are also exploring a possible deal for Bayer Leverkusen’s Edmond Tapsoba.

However, at a potential £60m, he is far more costly. As a result, it appears Tapsoba has fallen behind Van de Ven on their wishlist

Romano added: “Edmond Tapsoba remains among options on Spurs list – but he’s more expensive.”

The approach to sign Van de Ven will undoubtedly delight Postecoglou. He sees the Dutchman as one of the game’s best upcoming defenders. And with an average of 1.4 tackles and 3.1 clearances per game in the Bundesliga, as well as a pass completion rate of 88.3%, he looks well placed to become a big success at Spurs.

READ MORE: Serie A forward ‘makes contact’ with Tottenham as Postecoglou considers Harry Kane replacements