| Cidades do meu Brasil

Miguel DelaneyUpdated Tue, June 9, 2026 at 10:43 AM UTC0

Tottenham have had their opening bid for centre-back Jan Paul van Hecke rejected as Brighton resist an attempted transfer raid from former boss Roberto De Zerbi.

Dutch international Van Hecke has emerged as a key target for Spurs in a bid to bolster their defensive options, having worked with De Zerbi during the Italian's time in charge on the south coast.

Van Hecke has since developed into one of the Premier League's most impressive defenders, attracting considerable interest, but as he enters the final 12 months of his contract at the Amex Stadium, there is an increased likelihood of a summer departure.

However, Tottenham's first offer has been rebuffed after failing to meet Brighton's valuation of the defender.

Jan Paul van Hecke played under Roberto De Zerbi at Brighton (Gareth Fuller/PA)

Beyond Van Hecke, De Zerbi is also targeting Seagulls goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen and midfielder Carlos Baleba, hoping to use the stars of his former employers as the foundation of a rebuild at Tottenham.

There is naturally an acceptance they may not get all of those, which is why Spurs are also looking at Bournemouth's Marcos Senesi, Liverpool's Andy Robertson and Manchester City's James Trafford.

Tottenham are even considering a deal for John Stones in order to bring in some badly-needed leadership.

Roberto De Zerbi is targeting three Brighton players but there is an acceptance he may not get all of them (PA)

The club hierarchy are fully willing to back De Zerbi after negotiations that secured a "Hail Mary" appointment back in April to ultimately keep Tottenham in the Premier League. He naturally wants squad members that can quickly internalise his style, and sees the Brighton trio and "his players".

There was an immediate recognition that lessons needed to be learned from their close shave with a first relegation in 49 years, with De Zerbi securing survival for Spurs with a final-day win over Everton.

In an open letter to the fanbase, the Lewis family were said to be "wholly committed" and ready to produce the investment required to "rebuild" the club.

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