Tottenham Hotspur are now edging closer to completing an agreement for Jan Paul van Hecke after submitting a “serious” bid.
Reports about a potential switch from Brighton to Tottenham Hotspur for Jan Paul van Hecke have been doing the rounds over the last couple of hours.
Spurs Web reported that Tottenham had seen their opening bid for Van Hecke rejected as it fell below Brighton’s valuation, although talks remain ongoing.
There have also been reports about the stiff competition Tottenham are expected to face as they look to sign Brighton man, with both Liverpool and Chelsea also in the race.
Spurs missed out on European football last season following a dismal 17th-place finish, while Brighton, who are looking to keep the Dutchman at the club, are headed for the Conference League.
Liverpool is set to play Champions League football next season, while Chelsea has no European commitments, just like Spurs.
Tottenham close to agreeing Jan Paul van Hecke transfer
Reports from Dutch outlet VI.nl have now confirmed the latest claims coming from England regarding Spurs’ pursuit of Van Hecke.
The publication confirms the reports and labels Tottenham’s bid for Van Hecke as “serious”, adding that the Dutchman’s move to Tottenham could happen before the World Cup.
The 2026 World Cup starts in seven days, so based on this report, a move could be completed within the week.
Tottenham’s opening offer, albeit rejected by Brighton, was deemed serious enough to warrant further talks this week.
Van Hecke, who has been capped 11 times by the Netherlands, is part of the Dutch side travelling to the USA, Canada and Mexico for the World Cup finals.
He enjoyed a stellar season with the Seagulls, making 36 appearances while scoring three goals and registering three assists. He was also part of a Brighton side that had the third-best defence in the Premier League.
It is further explained that the defender seems to be close to agreeing terms with Spurs and that, despite Tottenham finishing 17th, he remains keen on the move.
Spurs may need defensive clear-out after Van Hecke move
Tottenham are now set to have Dutch international Micky van de Ven alongside Cristian Romero, Radu Dragusin, Kevin Danso, Luka Vuskovic and Kota Takai as centre-back options next season.
Marcos Senesi is also set to join the ranks following his pre-contract agreement with Tottenham, which will see him move to north London in July after agreeing a four-year deal.
With this many options at the back for the Lilywhites, there will be a need to offload a couple of centre-backs.
Cristian Romero could now depart amid interest from Spain, and the signing of Van Hecke hints at a like-for-like replacement.
This signing could also point towards Dragusin departing and perhaps another loan move for young sensation Luka Vuskovic, who is attracting interest himself. Takai could also be loaned out once more after a disappointing spell in Germany.