Brentford manager Thomas Frank has set his sights on an ambitious move for Tottenham Hotspur defender Micky van de Ven as he seeks to solve his side's defensive concerns, following the collapse of a proposed deal for Everton's Jarrad Branthwaite.
Defensive Reinforcements Become Priority
The Bees are actively pursuing defensive reinforcements after their initial pursuit of Everton's highly-rated centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite fell through. Frank has identified the Tottenham star as a potential solution to his defensive woes ahead of the new Premier League campaign.
Van de Ven, who joined Spurs from Wolfsburg last summer for approximately £43 million, enjoyed an impressive debut season in North London despite suffering a hamstring injury that sidelined him for several months. The Dutch international's recovery and subsequent performances have clearly caught the attention of the Brentford recruitment team.
Frank's Ambitious Transfer Strategy
Thomas Frank isn't shying away from ambitious targets this transfer window. The Danish manager has also expressed interest in Paris Saint-Germain forward Randal Kolo Muani, demonstrating Brentford's growing pulling power in the market.
"We're always looking to strengthen in every position," Frank stated when discussing his transfer plans. "The defence is obviously an area we're focusing on after last season's challenges."
Tottenham's Stance on Key Defender
Securing Van de Ven's signature won't be straightforward for the West London club. Tottenham consider the 23-year-old Dutchman as a crucial part of Ange Postecoglou's long-term plans, having formed an effective partnership with Cristian Romero at the heart of Spurs' defence.
The defender's pace and technical ability made him one of Tottenham's standout performers last season, making any potential departure seem unlikely unless Brentford present a substantial offer that tempts the North London club.
What This Means for Brentford
Brentford's interest in a defender of Van de Ven's calibre signals their ambition to build on their Premier League status. After securing top-flight survival last season, Frank is clearly determined to strengthen his squad with quality additions capable of taking the team to the next level.
The potential acquisition would represent a significant coup for the Bees, demonstrating their ability to compete for players from established top-six clubs as they continue their impressive progression in English football.
