Tottenham Close In on Jan Paul van Hecke as Defensive Rebuild Takes Shape
Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly agreed personal terms with Brighton & Hove Albion centre-back Jan Paul van Hecke, as Roberto De Zerbi looks to reunite with the Dutch defender at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
The 26-year-old Netherlands international is currently making waves at the World Cup, having started in his nation’s 2-2 draw with Japan over the weekend. His performances on the global stage have not gone unnoticed, with scouts from across Europe keeping a close watch—but Van Hecke has his heart set on a move to North London.
Interest from other clubs is said to have cooled, with many now believing that a switch to Spurs is all but inevitable.
While a contract agreement between Tottenham and the player is already in place, the two clubs must now thrash out a fee. Brighton have already rejected two offers from the Lilywhites, but further negotiations are expected to take place in the coming days.
Spurs are preparing to part ways with Argentine defender Cristian Romero this summer, leaving a significant void at the back. Van Hecke is viewed as the ideal replacement, having already proven his quality in the Premier League—and under De Zerbi during their time together at Brighton.
Tottenham have already moved to bolster their defensive options with the free arrivals of Andy Robertson and Marcos Senesi, but more reinforcements are on the horizon.
After narrowly avoiding relegation for the second consecutive season, a major squad overhaul is high on the agenda. In addition to defensive cover, Spurs are targeting a central midfielder and a left winger.
They have rekindled their interest in Brazilian winger Savinho, after his proposed switch from Manchester City collapsed last summer.
Newcastle United’s Sandro Tonali also remains on their radar, though the Magpies are demanding a hefty £100 million for the Italian. The race for his signature is heating up, with Manchester United, Arsenal, and Manchester City all reportedly in the mix.
