Liverpool's disappointing campaign after spending almost £500m last summer has been underpinned by defensive instability.
The Reds have watched leaks appear at the back, and while most of those issues stem from a lack of balance in midfield, Arne Slot still needs to sign multiple defenders this summer.
Virgil van Dijk isn't getting any younger at 34, and his partner, Ibrahima Konate, is set to leave when his contract expires in June.
Liverpool are therefore looking for Van Dijk's long-term replacement and someone to partner him next season, identifying Tottenham's Van de Ven as a potential option.
According to TEAMtalk, the Merseyside giants are "extremely keen" on bringing the Dutchman to Anfield, but they are approaching a deal with "caution" due to his chequered injury record.
Van de Ven has missed 45 games for club and country since joining the North London side in 2023. So, Liverpool have to decide whether his injury record is worth the risk of paying upwards of £70m.