According to the latest report from Dutch media outlet Voetbal International, Tottenham have agreed a personal contract with Brighton star Jan Paul van Hecke.
The north London club have made significant progress towards signing the highly-rated centre-back, finalizing the details of his contract as they aim to secure a vital defensive reinforcement before the transfer window closes.
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Jan Paul van Hecke only wants Tottenham as agreed personal terms
According to Voetbal International’s prominent journalist Jost Brauhoff, Van Hecke has made a final decision about his future.
The Oranje international is reported to have said this summer is “Spurs and only Spurs” for him.
With his personal terms now completely fixed, the 25-year-old Dutch international has instructed his agent to focus fully on his move to London and cease negotiations with other interested clubs.
He is currently waiting patiently for negotiations between Brighton and Tottenham to progress.
Brauhoff shared the following update:
“News: Jan Paul van Hecke is out. It’s Spurs and only Spurs. The Orange international is waiting to agree terms with Brighton & Hove Albion and Tottenham Hotspur, but is no longer speaking to other clubs. He has agreed on personal terms. Details to follow…”
Spurs still need to agree a fee with Brighton
Despite the player’s clear desire to leave, Tottenham will need to meet Brighton’s hefty financial demands to get a deal over the line.
The Seagulls are notoriously stubborn negotiators, having already rejected two formal bids from Spurs last week.
Brighton chief executive Paul Barber recently confirmed the club’s position, stressing that any departure would have to make perfect financial sense for the south coast side.
With Van Hecke entering the final year of his current contract, Brighton are holding firm on his estimated €50m valuation, refusing to lose their defensive rock on a cut-price deal.
De Zerbi is close to becoming the third signing of the summer as Spurs rebuild progresses
If a final transfer fee can be worked out, Van Hecke would become Roberto De Zerbi’s third major signing in a busy summer period.
The manager is planning a major overhaul of his team after a tumultuous season that saw them survive relegation on the final day.
Having already signed Scotland international Andy Robertson, and with the deal for free agent Marcos Senesi nearing completion, reuniting with Van Hecke remains a priority.
The defender previously blossomed under De Zerbi’s tutelage at the Amex Stadium, making him an ideal tactical fit for Italy’s system.
