Former Manchester United defender Wes Brown believes his old club are so well stocked at centre-back that they are unlikely to rival Liverpool for the potential signing of Tottenham Hotspur's Micky van de Ven. The Reds have been linked with a summer move for the 25-year-old Dutch international, although the Liverpool Echo understands there are no concrete plans to sign him.
Brown, who made 362 appearances for United and earned 23 England caps, suggested that Liverpool could have a clear path to signing Van de Ven if Tottenham decide to sell. 'Will clubs like Liverpool have a free run on Micky van de Ven if Manchester United don’t move for him?' Brown pondered. 'I just think we have too many centre-backs at the moment and at least four of them are recognised international players with only two positions to fill so it’s really difficult.'
United's current centre-back options include Harry Maguire, Lisandro Martinez, Matthijs de Ligt, Leny Yoro, and Ayden Heaven, with Luke Shaw and Noussair Mazraoui also capable of playing in a back three. Liverpool, meanwhile, will lose Ibrahima Konate on a free transfer this summer, leaving Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez, and young prospects Giovanni Leoni and Jeremy Jacquet as their central defensive options.
Brown also commented on West Ham's Jarrod Bowen, who he feels would be an ideal addition for Liverpool following the Hammers' relegation. 'Jarrod Bowen missing out on the World Cup could make a deal easier this summer, especially now that West Ham have gone down,' Brown said. 'Whoever gets him, he’ll be a top player for them for the next few years. He’s only 29 and the way he plays, the attitude that he brings, that’s a massive asset too.'
