Ex-Brighton manager Gus Poyet gives his verdict on Jan Paul van Hecke’s future
Former Brighton boss Gus Poyet said it would be 'dangerous' for Albion to lose Lewis Dunk and Jan Paul van Hecke this summer.
Dunk, 34, was linked with a move to Nottingham Forest last January, while van Hecke will have just 12 month remaining on his deal this summer.
The duo have been the first choice centre back pairing in the Premier League for head coach Fabian Hurzeler, who this week admitted that this summer will be key for Van Hecke's future.
The Dutch international, who has previously been linked with Tottenham and Newcastle, is expected to feature for the Netherlands at this summer's World Cup.
"I was at a fans forum a few weeks ago and we spoke about Brighton,” said Poyet speaking with Sussex World via Gambling.com, the best place to find UK Online Casinos.
“This is a tough question because the fans were concerned about Dunk leaving this summer, so can you loose both of them?
"This would be danger. So you have to trust Tony Bloom and the team to ensure this doesn’t happen, so I think they will manage this situation.
"If one leaves, the other can’t leave. Either you give them a new contract or increase wages of one of them."
Van Hecke, 25, has a guide price of around £50m but that could increase further if he performs well at the World Cup. Poyet has been impressed by his progress at Brighton.
"Van Hecke, he is top defender. He is ready and can play at a higher level for sure.
"As a player, you can’t go in the press and say this or you get suspended now (like Fernandez at Chelsea) but Van Hecke is a top defender and hope he can stay."
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