Manchester United are plotting a move for Tottenham Hotspur centre-back Micky van de Ven, with the Red Devils among several top clubs circling Europe's most coveted players ahead of the summer window.

United and Liverpool eye Van de Ven

According to The Athletic, Manchester United are targeting Van de Ven as they seek an imposing left-footed centre-back. The 25-year-old Netherlands international is expected to generate widespread interest this summer regardless of whether Tottenham Hotspur remain in the Premier League, with Liverpool also understood to be in contention for his signature.

City in pole position for Anderson

Sky Sports reports that Manchester City have moved to the front of the queue to sign Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson. Both Manchester United and Arsenal are also keen on the 23-year-old, but there is growing confidence that Anderson will be at the Etihad Stadium next season. The Athletic adds that City are simultaneously considering a move for Chelsea's Enzo Fernández to fill a midfield role.

City's recruitment ambitions stretch further forward too, with RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande and Bournemouth striker Junior Kroupi also on their radar. However, Diomande — valued at around €100 million by Leipzig — is attracting attention from Bayern Munich and Liverpool as well, and Bild reports that his agents are already in discussions with Liverpool and Paris Saint-Germain. Leipzig remain confident they can persuade the 19-year-old to stay in Germany for at least one more season.

Leão linked with European heavyweights

Manchester United, Manchester City, Liverpool, and Real Madrid are all exploring a potential €70 million deal for AC Milan winger Rafael Leão, per The Daily Mail. The 25-year-old Portugal international is reportedly discontented with Milan's likely failure to win the Scudetto ahead of rivals Internazionale, and the club may need to sell prominent players to balance their finances. Notably, Leão has not fallen out with head coach Massimiliano Allegri and has not been offered to Barcelona, contrary to some reports.

Bernardo Silva set to leave City as a free agent

Juventus are leading the race to sign Manchester City midfielder Bernardo Silva when his contract expires at the Etihad this summer, though moves to Arsenal or Chelsea remain possible, according to TEAMtalk. The 31-year-old Portugal international, who has spent nine years with City, is keen to remain in Europe despite significant interest from the Saudi Pro League and MLS. Internazionale, AC Milan, Como, Benfica, and Monaco are also monitoring his availability.

Other notable rumours

Chelsea's Cole Palmer could command a fee of up to £130 million if the club opt to sell this summer, per Football Insider. Meanwhile, Jadon Sancho has reportedly told Borussia Dortmund he is willing to return on a free transfer once his loan at Aston Villa concludes.

Elsewhere, Real Madrid and Vinicius Junior have reached an agreement in principle on a new contract, though the finer details are still being finalised. Atletico Madrid are eyeing Borussia Dortmund's Julian Brandt following Antoine Griezmann's departure, while Tottenham Hotspur are open to permanently signing João Palhinha from Bayern Munich, subject to renegotiating the terms of any deal.