The 24-year-old defender first came into Madrid’s thoughts back in April when agent Jose Fortes made it clear his client had the quality to reach the very top.
In an interview, Fortes highlighted Madrid as a club that could one day need a player of his characteristics saying: “Micky also has the level to play one day in a big club like Real Madrid. In addition, Madrid need a player behind him with his characteristics”.
That comment sparked curiosity in Spain and interest has begun to grow.
Madrid are known to be weighing up their defensive options and the Spurs defender has quietly remained on their list alongside the likes of William Saliba, Ibrahima Konate and Dayot Upamecano.
The feeling in Spain is that his ambition matches theirs and that when the right moment arrives he will be open to a switch to the Bernabeu.
Tottenham are determined not to let that happen. They see Van de Ven as a cornerstone of the new era under Thomas Frank and are convinced that progress under the Dane can help convince him to stay.
Spurs’ early season form has been impressive with three clean sheets from four games and Van de Ven even getting on the scoresheet in the recent win over West Ham. His blend of pace, strength and calmness in possession has made him indispensable.
Madrid’s scouts have also kept close tabs on other Tottenham defenders with Cristian Romero and Pedro Porro both subject to detailed reports over the past year.
But there is a growing sense in Spain that Van de Ven is the one with the profile to make the leap.
For now it remains a link rather than a live negotiation - but the whispers are unlikely to die down.
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