Spurs Ready Third Bid for Van Hecke as Brighton Defender Awaits Deal

Tottenham are preparing to lodge a fresh bid for Brighton centre-back Jan Paul van Hecke as negotiations intensify over the summer window, with journalist Ben Jacobs revealing the club intends to return with a third offer after earlier proposals were knocked back.

The north London outfit have made an aggressive start to their recruitment drive, desperate to sidestep another relegation scrap after an agonising escape last term. Spurs clinched survival on the season's final afternoon courtesy of a 1-0 victory against Everton, finishing two points ahead of relegated West Ham to preserve their Premier League status.

The club has already moved swiftly in the transfer market, completing the signings of Andy Robertson on a free transfer from Liverpool and securing fellow free agent Marcos Senesi on a four-year contract through June 2030. Both arrivals were confirmed as part of a long-standing plan hatched back in April.

According to Dutch journalist Joost Blaauwhof, Van Hecke has already reached agreement on personal terms with Spurs and has stopped entertaining approaches from rival clubs. The international defender has just twelve months remaining on his Brighton contract and is keen on the switch.

Jacobs indicated on social media that Tottenham remain optimistic of bridging the gap with Brighton, noting that Van Hecke's contract situation strengthens their negotiating position.

Elsewhere, former Manchester United chief scout Mick Brown has suggested that Tottenham could be well-placed to pursue another Brighton prospect in midfielder Carlos Baleba. With manager Enzo Maresca having previously worked with Baleba, Brown believes the relationship could prove pivotal in revitalizing the player's career following a difficult campaign.

Brown told Football Insider that the fee Brighton commanded last summer would likely prove unrealistic this time around. He emphasized that Baleba's familiarity with Maresca could provide the fresh start needed to restore him to peak form, particularly given the opportunity to work with a manager who understands his qualities.