Tottenham Hotspur have ignited their pursuit of Brighton and Hove Albion defender Jan Paul van Hecke, but their opening offer has been swiftly knocked back by the Seagulls.
According to The Telegraph, Spurs have seen an initial bid rejected for the highly-rated Dutch international. While the exact value of the club’s opening proposal remains unclear, Brighton’s stance is firm.
Brighton want £70m
Brighton value Van Hecke at £70m despite the 25-year-old defender having just one year remaining on his current contract at the Amex Stadium. With no extension in sight, Brighton are prepared to trade, but chairman Tony Bloom is notorious for demanding full value for his star assets.
Spurs are not alone in their admiration, with Premier League rivals Chelsea and Liverpool also keeping a close eye on the situation. However, the recruitment team hold somewhat of an advantage with Roberto De Zerbi in charge.
Van Hecke enjoyed a spectacular rise under the Italian tactician on the south coast, establishing himself as a regular starter during De Zerbi’s final season at Brighton. Spurs are highly optimistic that the strong bond between player and manager will prove decisive in convincing the defender to choose North London over other suitors.
Van Hecke pricey but worthy
Van Hecke is a proven Premier League operator who excelled last season, ranking among the top flight’s best for interceptions and duels won. His durability and defensive intelligence make him an ideal fit to bolster De Zerbi’s backline.
However, a £70 million price tag is incredibly steep for a player with only 12 months left on his contract. Bloom is testing Tottenham’s resolve. If Spurs are serious about backing De Zerbi with his priority defensive targets this summer, they will need to return to the negotiating table with a significantly improved offer to break Brighton’s resistance.
