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Liverpool have decided not to move forward with their interest in Tottenham Hotspur and Netherlands centre-back Micky van de Ven, despite earlier reports suggesting otherwise.

The Reds completed their first addition under new head coach Andoni Iraola on Thursday, confirming the signing of Victor Munoz from Osasuna.

The Merseyside club parted ways with Dutch manager Arne Slot after he guided them to a fifth-place finish in the Premier League during a trophyless campaign, failing to replicate the title-winning form of the previous season.

Now, Liverpool are focused on equipping Iraola with the squad depth and quality required to compete for major honours next season.

One key area of concern is central defence, especially after the departure of Ibrahima Konate, who is set to join Real Madrid on a free transfer.

Although Liverpool retain the services of Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez, Jeremy Jacquet, and Giovanni Leoni, the club is keen on adding more experienced options to bolster their defensive ranks.

Both Liverpool and Manchester United have been strongly linked with a potential move for Tottenham’s Van de Ven amid speculation about his future this summer.

Journalist Ben Jacobs has previously indicated that United’s interest was conditional on Tottenham being relegated, noting that Van de Ven himself would favour a move to Liverpool.

Speaking earlier in the year on The United Stand, Jacobs stated: “Micky van de Ven, they (Manchester United) won’t make an approach unless Tottenham go down.

“If Tottenham stay up, I think Micky van de Ven will likely sign a new deal, but it’s quite an open situation, similar to Senesi’s.

“I’ve mentioned before, if Liverpool join the race, Van de Ven would prefer to go to Liverpool, but they haven’t entered that race yet.

“So, patience is needed because right now Van de Ven is fully focused on helping Tottenham stay up.

“From what I understand, he enjoys playing under Roberto De Zerbi, but he’s not the type who would want to drop into the Championship, even if he admires the manager.”

Earlier this week, Dutch outlet De Telegraaf reported that both Liverpool and Barcelona had made enquiries to Tottenham regarding Van de Ven’s availability.

However, Alex Crook of talkSPORT has since revealed that Liverpool have decided to pause their pursuit of the Dutch defender for the time being.

Crook wrote that “#LFC are not actively pursuing Micky van de Ven at this moment.”

Meanwhile, Tottenham are reportedly closing in on a £52 million deal for Brighton’s Jan Paul van Hecke, a move which could influence Van de Ven’s future at the club. Former Manchester United chief scout Mick Brown believes this transfer development could have wider implications.

Brown told Football Insider: “Van de Ven’s future remains uncertain.

“Tottenham will need to evaluate their defensive setup because there are also questions surrounding Cristian Romero and the possibility of his exit.

“Van Hecke has been on their radar for some time, and I’ve been impressed by his progress at Brighton. Initially, he seemed like a typical hard-working defender, but he’s shown he can offer much more, which has caught Tottenham’s attention.

“If Tottenham do bring him in, it could alter Van de Ven’s standing, as they’d have another strong option available.

“Liverpool will certainly monitor the situation closely, given Konate’s departure, as they’ll be in need of a new centre-back.

“There are numerous moving parts, but Liverpool have maintained interest in Van de Ven, and if Tottenham indicate he’s available, the Reds could reignite their pursuit.

“Should Tottenham complete the signing of a new centre-back, it might open the door for Liverpool to make their move.”