Brighton expect second Spurs bid for centre back Van Hecke

Brighton are expecting Tottenham to return with another bid for defender Jan Paul van Hecke after rejecting their initial offer.

Van Hecke, who is part of the Netherlands’ World Cup squad, has a year left on his contract and new Spurs boss Roberto de Zerbi is keen to be reunited with the 25-year-old after working with him at Brighton.

Brighton signed Van Hecke from Eredivisie outfit NAC Breda in 2020 for a relatively modest sum.

He is reported to be valued now by Brighton at £70m.

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After loan spells at Heerenveen and Blackburn Rovers, the centre-back has gone on to make 131 appearances for Brighton, including 36 starts in the Premier League last term.

Chief executive Paul Barber was placed in charge of outgoing transfers by Brighton in the wake of the unexpected exit of sporting director Jason Ayto, which was confirmed on Wednesday.

Brighton are known for their hard-line bargaining stance having received fees in excess of £50m for Moises Caicedo, Marc Cucurella and Joao Pedro in recent years, and also their forward planning.

Given Van Hecke’s contract situation, it is likely Barber and owner Tony Bloom have a contingency in mind if a deal is eventually agreed.

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