A former Tottenham official has revealed that Spurs’ interest in a Premier League centre-back has not gone away.
Reports indicate that Spurs have held talks about strengthening their central defence in the January window.
It was first reported at the start of September that Tottenham are exploring a January move for Brighton defender Jan Paul van Hecke, but the speculation subsequently went quiet.
It reemerged last week, with TEAMtalk claiming Spurs are monitoring Van Hecke closely ahead of the January window, and this has now been confirmed by a club official.
Jan Paul van Hecke is in Tottenham’s long-term plans
Spurs’ former scout Mick Brown has now revealed that although Thomas Frank’s men are happy with their first-choice centre-backs, they view Van Hecke as a potential long-term option.
The Brighton man’s Premier League experience is thought to appeal to the Lilywhites, but the Seagulls are reluctant to let the defender leave.
When asked about the speculation linking Van Hecke with a move to Tottenham, Brown told Football Insider: “He is somebody Tottenham have been looking at. I think we’ve spoken about it before. I’m not sure that’s a position they’re going to be prioritising, because Romero and Van de Ven do a good job there.
“But if they’re looking long-term and making plans for the future, Van Hecke seems to be one they like. He’s done very well for Brighton over a number of years now, and he’s got good experience playing in the Premier League, so that’s always a bonus.
“The question is just about whether he will be available, because Brighton will be reluctant, and the manager definitely doesn’t want to lose a key player.”
Is Van Hecke a realistic target for Spurs in January?
It was reported a couple of months ago that Van Hecke had rejected a new contract offered by Brighton, as he is keen to play for a Champions League club.
With the centre-back only having 18 months left on his contract at the Amex Stadium, Brown suggested that a January sale by the Seagulls cannot be ruled out.
The former Spurs scout added about the club’s pursuit of Van Hecke: “It might be something they look at in the summer because I think it will be difficult to sign him from Brighton in January, they need him.
“His contract situation could change things, though, and if Tottenham are getting encouragement from Brighton, I’m sure they will want to capitalise.
“They’ll want to make money by selling him, because that’s what Brighton have always done very well, and if he’s not signing a new contract, it could force them to cash in.”