Thomas Frank has issued a hands-off warning to potential suitors over Micky van de Ven, with Tottenham having no intention of selling their star defender.
Reports have suggested that reigning Premier League champions Liverpool are interested in Van de Ven as they look to strengthen their defensive options.
The Dutch international has a contract at Spurs until 2029, but has yet to sign fresh terms since joining the club from Wolfsburg in 2023.
Pressed on whether Spurs would be inclined to sell Van de Ven for the right price, Frank was defiant, saying that the 24-year-old remained an important player; not only now but in the future.
"I would say he's very important for us,” Frank told reporters. “Micky is a Tottenham player now and for the future."
Van de Ven has struggled with injuries since joining Spurs for an initial £34.5million, but has grown into a key player and leader during his time in north London, helping Spurs lift the Europa League last season.
This season, he has found fitness in a campaign blighted by injuries for Spurs, but the Dutchman had to apologise to Frank after ignoring him in the aftermath of their 1-0 defeat to Chelsea in November.
Reports have surfaced that Van de Ven is unhappy at the club, and he was involved in an angry confrontation with supporters after Spurs’ stoppage-time defeat to Bournemouth last month.
Frank, though, thinks Van de Ven is enjoying his best season in a Spurs shirt, with the defender starting 21 of 22 Premier League games under the Dane.
"I just saw Micky today, he seems very happy, smiling,” Frank continued.
“He was very happy after the game that we won when he was in the changing room after the game.
“I think Micky is an excellent player. I think he's a fantastic ambassador for this club. I think he has potentially his best season so far he's had.
“He's fit, he's strong, good defensively, he's growing as a leader, scoring goals as well. He's a very important player for us this season and for the future."
