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Brighton defender Jan Paul van Hecke admits he was contacted about a possible transfer in the summer window.
Albion's player of the year insists he is happy with Brighton but admits he wants to play at the highest level.
Newcastle United and Tottenham were reportedly the clubs who wanted to sign him last month.
“There were rumours and some contact,” he said to Voetbalzone, via Sport Witness.
“That contact was from the Premier League. But it quickly became clear that a transfer this summer wouldn’t happen. That’s fine, because I’m happy at Brighton.
“My ambition is to stay here. I’ve been here for a few years now and I’m having a great time. The league suits me well, and I enjoy the atmosphere and the culture. I really feel at home.
“So, I don’t need to go to another country, unless, of course, some clubs come along that I can’t say no to."
Van Hecke joined Brighton for around £2m from NAC Breda in 2019. He enjoyed successful loan spells at Heerenveen and Blackburn Rovers before breaking into the first team at Brighton under previous boss Roberto De Zerbi.
The 25-year-old has made 94 appearances for the Seagulls and is contracted with the club until 2027. He has a transfer guide price of £50m-plus.
Van Hecke added: “I have ambitions to play at the highest possible level and want to give myself that chance.
“For now, I think this is the ideal situation. Hopefully, it will be a good season and a World Cup; then we’ll see. It’s difficult to look a year ahead, of course.”
The Albion ace is away on international duty with the Netherlands as they take on Poland on Thursday, September 4 and Lithuania on Sunday, September 7, both World Cup Qualifiers.
Van Hecke returns to Premier League action with Brighton at Bournemouth on September 13.
Jan Paul van Hecke transfer verdict
Don’t be surprised to see Van Hecke on the move next summer. The Dutchman has been excellent for the Seagulls for the past few seasons and performs at a consistently high level.
He enjoys the physical battles - as he displays against Erling Haaaland show - and he is pretty decent with the ball his feet. He’s not the most skilful or eye-catching but what he does offer is excellent leadership, concentration and defensive ability. He’s a proper defender.
Brighton were reluctant to let him go this window as there fitness concerns with Adam Webster and Lewis Dunk, while the future of Igor Julio was uncertain.
Albion signed young Italian international Diego Coppola last and he will be slowly introduced this term and should be ready to replace Van Hecke, if the Dutchman exits next summer.
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