Tottenham Hotspur have targeted Brighton & Hove Albion defender Jan Paul van Hecke in their efforts to bolster Roberto De Zerbi's squad but have had an initial bid rejected.
De Zerbi rescued Spurs from a first relegation in 49 years after he masterminded Premier League safety on the final day of the 2025-26 campaign with a 1-0 home win over Everton. However, the Italian immediately insisted lessons must be learned to avoid another survival battle, and the Lewis family, which runs Tottenham's majority owners ENIC, promised to invest in the required rebuild.
Brighton centre-back Van Hecke has emerged as a key target for Spurs, having worked with De Zerbi during the Italian's time in charge of the south coast club. Since then, Van Hecke has developed into one of the best defenders in the Premier League. Amid a raft of interest, Tottenham are understood to have made the first move, but their bid fell below Brighton's valuation and was rejected.
Dutch international Van Hecke is about to enter the final 12 months of his contract with the Seagulls, increasing the likelihood of a departure this summer. The Independent also understands De Zerbi is targeting Brighton goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen and midfielder Carlos Baleba as he looks to raid his former club.
Spurs have also been heavily linked with free agents Andy Robertson and Marcos Senesi, who left Liverpool and Bournemouth respectively at the end of last season. Consecutive 17th-placed finishes have sparked Tottenham into action, with a letter from the Lewis family to supporters last week promising they were "all in" and that "change is happening" to get the club back competing at the top of the Premier League.
