Man Utd would 'bite Tottenham's hand off' for defender as loan star keen to 'gain trust' from Spurs hierarchy

The international break is over - Premier League football is due to return tomorrow with Newcastle United vs West Ham United. In the meantime, let's take a look at what Tottenham Hotspur have been up to.

Manchester United are looking to make waves by signing a Spurs defender in the summer - additionally, a youngster is looking to gain the 'trust' of Spurs' backroom staff over the course of his ongoing EFL loan spell.

Manchester United ready to 'bite Tottenham's hand off' for Micky Van De Ven

Manchester United and new minority owner Jim Ratcliffe are thought to be huge admirers of Spurs defender Micky Van De Ven - the Red Devils are willing to 'bite Tottenham's hand off' to secure a transfer move to Old Trafford for the Dutch international.

This is according to a recent report from Tottenham News. Spurs purchased Van De Ven in the summer from Wolfsburg for a fee in the region of £43 million. As such, it is expected that the Lilywhites will ask for considerably more than this. The 22-year-old has made 18 Premier League appearances for Tottenham this season, scoring a single goal along the way.

Ashley Phillips seeking to 'gain trust' from Tottenham during loan spell at Plymouth

Tottenham youngster Ashley Phillips is currently out on loan at Plymouth Argyle in the Championship - and he is keen to 'gain trust' with Spurs' hierarchy when he returns to the club at the end of the season.

Speaking to The Athletic, Phillips said: “I found the transition [from Blackburn to Spurs] hard because it’s a completely different game to the Championship technically and physically. I hope from this loan that I can gain trust from the Spurs coaches so I can push to be starting now and again, maybe in cup competitions. I can only thank Plymouth for letting me come down here and get minutes regularly.”