Spurs’ opening bid for Jan Paul van Hecke rejected by Brighton as De Zerbi targets Dutch defender | OneFootball

Brighton & Hove Albion have rejected an opening offer from Tottenham Hotspur for Jan Paul van Hecke.

Roberto De Zerbi has targeted the Dutch defender in a raid on his former side, as the Italian looks to strengthen his squad this summer.

Van Hecke is a top target for De Zerbi, having worked with the Spurs boss at Brighton from 2022 to 2024.

A central defender is a priority for Tottenham this summer, with club captain Cristian Romero expected to depart. Luka Vuskovic, who excelled on loan at Hamburg last season, has been mooted for a second season of development on loan in theBundesliga.

Van Hecke is viewed as an ideal replacement for Romero, who has been linked with a transfer to Spain, and could partner Dutch teammate Micky van de Ven at the hear of De Zerbi's new-look side.

Spurs conceded 57 goals in thePremier League last season, with only the three relegated teams conceding more.

According toThe Athletic, Tottenham's unspecified opening proposal for Van Hecke has been rejected, though talks are ongoing. The 25-year-old's contract at the Amex Stadium expires in the summer of 2027, leaving Brighton in a difficult position.

The Netherlands international, who has been included in the Dutch squad for this summer's World Cup, has impressed in the Premier League since his arrival from NAC Breda.

He has made 131 appearances for Brighton across all competitions, and ranked in the top two percent of central defenders in Europe last season for progressive passes completed and progressive carries. The Dutchman also ranked among the Premier League's top performers for interceptions (8th) during the 2025/26 season.

Van Hecke is one of three Brighton players of interest to Spurs this summer, with the North Londoners also admirers of Cameroon midfielder Carlos Baleba and goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen.