Clubs believe Brighton and Hove Albion’s Jan Paul van Hecke will join Tottenham Hotspur | OneFootball

Tottenham Hotspur have been handed a huge boost in their pursuit of Brighton and Hove Albion centre-back Jan Paul van Hecke.

The Tottenham Hotspur Stadium club want to strengthen at the back and the 26-year-old Netherlands international is on their radar.

Interest from other clubs in the player has cooled because of the belief he will join Spurs, according to The Telegraph.

Van Hecke played under Tottenham manager Roberto De Zerbi at Brighton and he has been described as being like a son to the Italian.

A reunion could be on the cards but Spurs must be willing to offer a juicy bid for him after two bids were knocked back.

De Zerbi is confident that the Dutchman can help improve his defence, and a move for Brighton goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen could also be exploited as they are in the market for a new goalie.

Guglielmo Vicario is expected to leave this summer, and while Antonin Kinsky was in fine form under De Zerbi, Verbruggen already knows exactly how the Tottenham boss plays.

Spurs have added two defenders to their ranks following the free signings of Andy Robertson and Marcos Senesi.

More quality signings are being targeted, and recruiting Van Hecke’s services would be huge.

De Zerbi will eye major silverware next season and a place in the Champions League spots at the end of the 2026-27 campaign.

He needs a top team to get the job done and not playing European football next term could be a blessing in disguise for Spurs.

Tottenham will have enough days to rest in between their games, with Manchester United hugely benefitting from missing out on Europe last term.

The Red Devils comfortably finished third in the Premier League as their players had plenty of rest, and the Lilywhites should make the most of their lack of European football next term.