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Brighton and Hove Albion defender Jan Paul van Hecke is the ideal signing for Feyenoord this month as a replacement for Gernot Trauner.

That’s according to Pierre van Hooijdonk, who believes the Brighton youngster would be an ideal addition amid Trauner’s injury issues.

He is current suffering from knee problems and is expected to be out for just under six months after dropping out of training at the end of December.

Feyenoord have not provided any details on the injury but Trauner recently revealed it was a meniscus problem, mentioning an absence of two or three months was on the cards.

He is convinced that he could return before the end of the season and Feyenoord boss Arne Slot has admitted he is hoping the same but whether that is possible remains to be seen.

A replacement may need to be signed this month instead and according to Van Hooijdonk, Brighton’s Van Hecke would be the ideal option.

“If it turns out that Trauner can no longer play this season, you can now get an extra central defender,” MSN report him saying.

“Jan Paul van Hecke from Brighton. He’s a right-hand center-back who was loaned out to Blackburn Rovers last year and Heerenveen the year before.

“He played in the FA Cup this week. He’s someone who can put you right, side and finished.”