Brighton defender Jan Paul van Hecke has emerged as a serious transfer target for Tottenham Hotspur ahead of the summer window.

Spurs have already made their interest concrete by submitting an offer worth €40 million for the Dutch centre-back, which Brighton promptly rejected.

Reports suggest the 25-year-old could ultimately cost as much as €80 million if a deal is to be agreed between the two Premier League clubs.

Dutch journalist Mike Verweij has come out publicly in support of a move, insisting the transfer would make significant sense for Van Hecke’s career progression.

Verweij told Voetbal Primeur: “Whether he’ll ever reach that level remains to be seen, but it’s certainly a very logical move.”

He was keen to highlight the gulf in stature between the two clubs, pointing out that Spurs represent a significant step up for the Netherlands international.

“Spurs have had a disastrous season, finishing below Brighton, but Spurs are a much bigger club than Brighton,” Verweij added during the interview.

He also pointed to the presence of Tottenham manager Roberto De Zerbi as a key factor, describing it as a compelling reason for Van Hecke to make the switch.

“So that would be a really great step in that lad’s development, to be able to train there under Roberto De Zerbi,” Verweij said. “I think he should definitely go for it.”

Van Hecke previously worked under De Zerbi during the Italian’s time in charge at Brighton, meaning the pair already have an established working relationship.

That familiarity could prove crucial in convincing the defender to push for a move to north London when negotiations intensify over the coming weeks.

Tottenham’s need for defensive reinforcement has become even more pressing given that Cristian Romero is widely expected to depart the club this summer.

Van Hecke has demonstrated consistent quality in the Premier League and would arrive at Spurs with the experience and profile to fill that void immediately.

Despite Tottenham enduring a difficult campaign, De Zerbi’s appointment signals clear ambition, and Van Hecke could be central to rebuilding the club’s defensive foundations.

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