Tottenham: Micky van de Ven confirms transfer talks with Jan Paul van Hecke over summer move | OneFootball

Spurs have seen two bids rejected for Brighton defender - but Dutch pair have been chatting at the World Cup

Micky van de Ven has revealed he spoke to Jan Paul van Hecke about Tottenham as the club plot a third bid for the Brighton defender.

Spurs have twice seen bids rejected for the centre-back, who is said to be keen on reuniting with his former Seagulls manager Roberto De Zerbi in north London.

Brighton chief executive Paul Barber confirmed on Sunday that Spurs are not the only club tracking the Dutch defender, who has reportedly had a £70million asking price put on his head.

Van Hecke is currently with the Netherlands squad in the United States ahead of the World Cup and Oranje team-mate Van de Ven has confirmed that the pair spoke about life at Spurs.

Micky van de Ven and Jan Paul van Hecke

London Standard

"I did talk to Jan Paul briefly about Tottenham," said Van de Ven on Sunday at a press conference in White Plains, near New York.

Van Hecke is said to be keen to wrap up his future before the World Cup, which starts on Thursday with the opening match between Mexico and South Africa.

Netherlands kick off their campaign against Japan on Sunday.

Oranje head coach Ronald Koeman is keen for any transfer issues to not distract his players.

He told reporters: "Ideally, I would prefer a player to have peace of mind regarding his club. And that there is clarity about the future. But I cannot stop it."