Spanish media stir the pot as Barcelona look to steal key Tottenham player

Rumours in Spain have emerged suggesting Barcelona have taken a shine towards one of Tottenham's key men, whose exit could do considerable damage to the current squad

Tottenham could have a fight on their hands as they look to keep hold of star man Micky van de Ven. At least that's the state of affairs, according to reports in Spain, where there are suggestions the defender is "desperate to leave" Spurs in the near future.

Barcelona are said to be in the market for a new marquee name in defence. Catalan newspaper Sport reported Inter Milan's Alessandro Bastoni is their top pick, though they're also said to be keeping tabs on Marc Guehi's situation at Crystal Palace and Borussia Dortmund ace Nico Schlotterbeck.

However, the Blaugrana aren't willing to pay the £69million or so Inter are supposedly demanding if they're to sell Bastoni. That's turned their attention towards Van de Ven, whom Sport has claimed is seeking an exit this summer.

It's perhaps no coincidence the same report suggested Van de Ven "would be delighted to wear the Barca colours." Any murmurs of the Netherlands international wanting to leave north London appear to be unfounded, suggesting some dark arts may be at play.

Granted, Van de Ven's time at Spurs hasn't been the gilded adventure some might have hoped for, though it's hardly been a failure. Following his move from Wolfsburg for an initial £34.5million in the summer of 2023, the Dutchman quickly slotted in to become a talismanic presence in defence.

Van de Ven, who clashed with Spurs fans following the recent loss at Bournemouth, was named Tottenham Player of the Season at the end of his first campaign in England. He followed that up by playing a vital role as the club secured Europa League honours in his sophomore season.

Thomas Frank's team continue to disappoint in the Premier League and have already bowed out of the League Cup. However, they've shown promise on the European stage and are in the running for an automatic berth in the Champions League's last 16, currently sat above Barca in the standings.

While Spurs' defensive record is far from perfect, the centre-back pairing of ever-present Van de Ven and Cristian Romero has ample admirers. However, it's true Spurs might struggle to keep the former focused should a superpower like Barca come calling.

That being said, there's little evidence the player is actively pursuing a departure, and certainly not as soon as this summer. The 24-year-old's contract is due to run until the summer of 2028, meaning Tottenham are under little pressure to sell unless the player pushes for a move.

There's also the small matter concerning whether Barca would be able to afford the transfer in any case. Van de Ven may have arrived in north London for a little less than £40m, but Spurs would undoubtedly expect considerably more to let him go at this stage.

As the club gradually completes their costly Camp Nou renovations, the jury is out as to whether Barcelona can afford such a deal. The club's finances have become a major talking point in recent years, and a move for Van de Ven, who was an ardent supporter of Ange Postecoglou's system, may take up more of their budget than they're willing to spend.

One can understand the appeal in a tall, powerful, left-footed defender who has topped the Premier League's speed charts for several seasons now. However, all may not be what it appears regarding claims in the Spanish press that Van de Ven is so keen on a Catalan switch.