Brighton have reportedly rejected an opening offer from Tottenham for Jan Paul van Hecke.
The defender is likely to leave the Seagulls this summer, with the Dutchman heading into the final year of his contract with the club and showing no willingness to extend his stay beyond 2027.
Brighton have attempted to initiate contract extension talks with Van Hecke previously, but the lack of progress on that front has increased the likelihood of a sale over the coming months, before his value depreciates.
Van Hecke is not short of suitors both within the Premier League and across Europe, and Spurs have therefore attempted to steal a march on rivals this week.
According to The Telegraph, Tottenham have had their initial bid for the Dutchman rejected by Brighton, but they remain hopeful of striking an agreement.
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Van Hecke and Roberto De Zerbi formed a ‘strong relationship’ during their time together on the Sussex coast, and Spurs are optimistic that the centre-back will be keen to reunite with the Italian manager next season.
Chelsea and Liverpool are also firmly in the race to secure the signature of Van Hecke, who turns 26 next week, but talks between Brighton and Tottenham are ongoing.
The Seagulls are said to value their No. 6 at £70million, and therefore a bidding war between the Premier League’s wealthiest clubs would likely see them receive offers in that region. It is unclear how far short Spurs’ opening bid fell at this stage.
Brighton are preparing for a summer of change across their backline, with Van Hecke and Igor likely to depart, Adam Webster leaving as a free agent and Diego Coppola already the subject of enquiries.
Toulouse’s Charlie Cresswell has previously been cited as a target, though the Seagulls are not alone in their admiration of the 23-year-old.
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