Rafael van der Vaart has admitted that he finds it hard to digest what he has read about one of Tottenham’s ongoing transfer pursuits.
Spurs may field a strong Dutch contingent next season, especially now that Micky van de Ven looks set to stay this summer.
Van de Ven and Xavi Simons could be joined in North London by one of their Netherlands teammates, with Tottenham now reportedly optimistic of landing Jan Paul van Hecke.
Van Hecke has worked closely with Roberto De Zerbi at Brighton and thus understands the Italian’s system, but there is one thing about the transfer that a former Spurs fan favourite is struggling to come to terms with.
Rafael van Der Vaart appalled by valuation of Tottenham target Jan Paul Van Hecke
Some sources have suggested that Brighton want £70m (€81m) for Van Hecke, even though the centre-back has just a year left on his deal at the Amex Stadium.
While Van der Vaart admitted that he is a fan of the Dutch defender, he revealed that his ‘football heart cries’ when he hears of the 25-year-old’s valuation.
When asked about Van Hecke’s proposed move to North London, the Spurs midfielder told Ziggo Sport: “Yes, I have to be honest, I am a fan of Van Hecke, but when I hear €80 million for Van Hecke, my football heart cries.
“Those are the kinds of fees that, sorry, just don’t belong with players like that. The fact that Tottenham are willing to pay for a team that almost got relegated…”
How much are Spurs expected to pay for Van Hecke?
Tottenham have seen two offers turned down for Van Hecke, with the second one reportedly worth £50m.
The Lilywhites are now preparing a third offer for the Brighton centre-back, but there has been no information on how much the offer is expected to be worth.
While it is unlikely that the deal would be worth £70m, paying over £50m for a player with a year left on his contract is a real statement of intent, and perhaps an indication of how much De Zerbi wants the Dutchman.