The Holland centre-back is on a deal which runs until the end of next season and will have attracted attention with his consistently high quality displays for the Seagulls.
There has been no indication that he is ready to sign new terms with the club, for whom he makes his 100th Premier League appearance at Burnley today.
He will have big professional ambitions as he closes in on his 26th birthday in June.
But he is also known to have a deep affection for Albion, which he made clear after winning a player of the year double last season.
Head coach Fabian Hurzeler makes no secret of his admiration for van Hecke and sees him as a potential future captain.
He told a press conference. “I love Jan Paul, I love his attitude, how he works for the team, I love his mentality of winning.
“He has a big impact on his team-mates, therefore I would love to continue working with him, because we have a really good relationship.
"I also like some perspective from the players regarding their future. We will sit together, try to make a decision that is best for the club, that is best for the player.
“Jan Paul knows what he has with Brighton. He's always had the opportunity to play, to grow, to make the next step.
“We hope to make the next step together, to be successful with him. This will be our main challenge and then we see how it's going."