‘Extraordinary’ Tottenham target could watch Spurs friendly today

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Tottenham Hotspur are closing in on signing Wolfsburg defender Micky Van de Ven and he could be in North London today.

Micky van de Ven could watch Tottenham Hotspur in against Shakhtar Donetsk today as he nears a move from Wolfsburg.

That is according to Sky Sports, who claim that Van de Ven ‘could be in the stadium’ for Tottenham’s friendly against Shakhtar.

It’s suggested that Van de Ven is flying into London today ahead of completing a move from Wolfsburg to Tottenham.

Talks between Spurs and Wolfsburg are described as being ‘advanced’ with a deal now moving closer and closer.

Tottenham are paying an initial £34.5million (€40million) for Van de Ven with add-ons potentially taking the deal up to £43million (€50million).

Van de Ven is described as being ‘very keen’ to join Tottenham and a medical will take place on Monday.

Tottenham are so close to landing their new centre back now and fans will now be trying to spot Van de Ven watching today’s friendly with Shakhtar.

What are Tottenham Hotspur buying in Micky van de Ven?

The modern game has seen a rise for left-footed centre backs.

Look at the Premier League’s big names and you will see hefty fees spent on the likes of Gabriel Magalhaes, Nathan Ake, Lisandro Martinez, Benoit Badiashile, Sven Botman and now Josko Gvardiol.

Left-footed centre backs provide balance in defence and open up different angles in build-up play, so managers like to have them on board.

Tottenham did have one last season but Clement Lenglet was only on loan and didn’t exactly impress.

Van de Ven is Tottenham’s new choice for the role and the raw attributes are there.

The 22-year-old has shown his comfort on the ball and isn’t afraid of a driving run forward if possible.

Van de Ven is a huge presence at 6ft 4in tall and his turn of pace makes him hugely appealing to Ange Postecoglou’s plans to play a higher line.

Van de Ven was clocked as the joint-ninth fastest player in the Bundesliga last season, which is incredible for a man of his size.

Wolfsburg managing director Marcel Schafer has hailed Van de Ven for his ‘extreme speed’ whilst boss Niko Kovac hailed him as a ‘extraordinary’ last season.

There are still aspects that Van de Ven must improve upon but he has the athletic qualities to become a key part of the Tottenham back line for years to come.