Tottenham Set to Return with Improved Van Hecke Bid as Brighton Brace for Fresh Approach

Brighton are readying themselves for another approach from Tottenham regarding Jan Paul van Hecke, with the south coast club anticipating a fresh bid after their initial offer fell short of expectations.

The Lilywhites' opening gambit, reportedly valued at £40m, was swiftly rejected by the Seagulls, but talks continue with a view to reaching an agreement. Ben Jacobs has suggested that Spurs intend to return to the negotiating table imminently as they push to land the 25-year-old defender.

Roberto De Zerbi's influence looms large in this pursuit—the Tottenham manager worked with the Netherlands international at Brighton and clearly fancies another reunion. David Ornstein revealed that Spurs' first proposal fell below Brighton's valuation, yet both parties remain engaged in discussions.

The fee structure carries wider implications, with Voetbal International reporting that NAC Breda, Van Hecke's former club, are entitled to 7.5 per cent of any transfer fee, meaning the Dutch side could bank a tidy sum should negotiations conclude successfully.

Tottenham's summer reconstruction appears well underway. Having scraped to safety on the final day—a 1-0 victory over Everton preserving their top-flight status with just two points separating them from the drop zone—the club's hierarchy has wasted little time plotting improvements.

The Spurs have already secured free transfers from Liverpool's Andy Robertson and Bournemouth's Marco Senesi for July, whilst negotiations progress with Manchester City over winger Savinho. Fabrizio Romano recently indicated that talks regarding the Brazilian are advancing positively, with City potentially open to his departure should an acceptable proposal materialise.

De Zerbi's appointment in late March proved transformative, dragging Tottenham away from the relegation trap during the final weeks of the campaign. With such a narrow escape fresh in the memory, the club's decision-makers are evidently determined to avoid another desperate scramble come next May.