According to the Sunday Mirror, Madrid are ready to submit a bid for the 24-year-old, who could cost at least £75 million. The player's agent, José Fortes, has done little to discourage the interest — having told Spanish outlet Marca last year that Van de Ven has the profile to play for a club of Real Madrid's level.
"Micky also has the quality to play for a big club like Real Madrid someday," Fortes said. "Besides, Madrid needs a defender with his characteristics."
Fortes added: "Micky has this quality; he's a born worker. After his injury, he'll return to a high level, on par with any top club."
Tottenham manager Roberto De Zerbi has described Van de Ven as the best centre-back in the Premier League — praise that speaks to how much the club would resist any approach. Spurs value him at £100 million, significantly above what Madrid appear willing to pay at this stage.
Van de Ven, who joined Tottenham from VfL Wolfsburg in the summer of 2023, endured a difficult season alongside the rest of the squad as Spurs survived relegation only on the final day. He nevertheless emerged as one of the few players whose performance level remained above the turmoil around him.
On the day Tottenham beat Everton 1-0 to secure survival, Van de Ven addressed his future publicly.
"Really confident. I think we have the right people now here. The right manager. So yeah, I'm confident we can do more next year because obviously, as you said, two years in a row we end up 17th — it was unacceptable, especially for a club like Spurs."
He added: "Things are going to need to change, and we're going to see that's going to happen. But we're going to do everything about it, and I'm confident we're going to do way better than the last two seasons."
Those are not the words of a player demanding a transfer. But they are not a contract extension either.
Madrid's defensive situation is pressing. David Alaba is leaving, Éder Militão has a long injury history, and Mourinho's rebuild requires immediate reinforcement. The fact that the agent has publicly invited interest from the Bernabéu means one conversation has already been had, even if the player himself has pointed toward staying.
Van de Ven has three years remaining on his contract. Tottenham are not compelled to sell. But when Mourinho wants a player and an agent has opened the door, these situations have a way of developing quickly.