Tottenham Hotspur’s bid for Brighton and Hove Albion defender Jan Paul van Hecke is so serious the clubs are sitting around the table negotiating.
Voetbal International report that Tottenham are serious about signing the Brighton defender, and talks are taking place to make it happen.
Tottenham make ‘serious bid’
The newspaper explains that Tottenham have made a ‘serious bid’ for the 25-year-old. The news from England has been confirmed to Voetbal International as well. A transfer could be done before the World Cup.
According to the Dutch newspaper, various Premier League clubs have shown concrete interest in Jan Paul van Hecke in recent weeks. Liverpool spoke to his entourage, but that was before Arne Slot’s dismissal. Chelsea and Manchester City are also following him.
But it is Tottenham who have made the first ‘serious attempt’ to sign the defender from Brighton. Roberto de Zerbi’s side have made a formal ‘multi-million pound’ bid.
According to insiders, the bid is serious enough that the clubs are now sitting down to reach an agreement. Brighton have to sell this summer as Van Hecke’s current deal expires in 2027.
Tottenham in pole position
Spurs have now put themselves in pole position for his signature. On a personal level, Van Hecke ‘seems likely’ to reach an agreement with them. He is ready for a new step and is eager to secure a transfer this summer.
Despite Tottenham narrowly avoiding relegation this season, there is a ‘conviction’ that they can quickly catch-up next season. Roberto de Zerbi will be key to that and sees Van Hecke as a crucial building block for his plans.
The Dutch centre-back made 50 appearances under the Italian coach between September 2022 and May 2024, transforming from a fringe player in the squad to a key player in his defence.
De Zerbi even famously called his development the “biggest improvement” he had seen at Brighton. Now he’s keen on a reunion and talks between Tottenham and Brighton are already at the serious stage.
