We now know when Tottenham Hotspur hope to complete the signing of Jan Paul Van Hecke from Brighton ahead of their third bid for the centre-back.
Brighton CEO Paul Barber confirmed on Sunday that two offers from Spurs for Van Hecke had been turned down by the Seagulls.
The second of Spurs’ rejected offers for the Dutchman was worth £50m, but the Lilywhites have not given up on the 25-year-old despite their failed bids.
In fact, reports over recent days indicate that Tottenham are preparing a third and final offer for Van Hecke and expect the South Coast club to accept it.
When Tottenham expect Jan Paul van Hecke deal to be finalised
The Athletic have now claimed that it may not be long before Tottenham and Brighton iron out their disagreements regarding the Netherlands international.
The report says that Spurs have been interested in Van Hecke for a long time and are now working to secure his services before the start of the World Cup.
The Brighton star is currently preparing for the world’s biggest tournament with the Netherlands squad in the USA.
Ronald Koeman’s side kickstart their World Cup campaign with a clash against Japan on Sunday evening in Dallas, and Spurs are trying to finalise a deal before that clash.
Why Van Hecke deal could progress swiftly
Van Hecke’s agent has reportedly informed suitors that his client wants to join Spurs, which is perhaps why it seems that the North Londoners are the only ones currently in talks with Brighton.
The Seagulls are not in a strong negotiating position since the centre-back has just a year left on his contract.
Reports indicate that the 25-year-old has already agreed personal terms with Tottenham, and one would thus expect the deal to be done very quickly if the two clubs can agree on a fee.