Tottenham reach agreement to sign Roberto De Zerbi’s former defender from Premier League rival

Tottenham have reached an agreement with Brighton to sign Jan Paul van Hecke, talkSPORT understands.

Spurs will pay £52million for the defender, who is currently at the World Cup with the Netherlands.

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Van Hecke previously played under Spurs boss Roberto De Zerbi for the Seagulls.

The agreement comes after Brighton CEO Paul Barber revealed to talkSPORT that the north London club had two previous bids rejected for the Dutch international.

Their earlier offers came in below Brighton’s valuation of the 25-year-old, but after continued negotiations, the two sides have struck up a deal.

It’s understood that Spurs’ young defender Luka Vuskovic is not part of any move for Van Hecke.

talkSPORT revealed last week Tottenham had rejected Brighton’s £30m bid for the Croatia international, but Van Hecke’s move is separate to this, and includes no add-ons or bonuses.

The Dutchman is set to become Spurs’ third signing of the summer after Andy Robertson and Marcos Senesi also joined up.

Van Hecke is close to De Zerbi after making 50 appearances during his Brighton tenure.

The centre-back, who joined Brighton in 2020, is entering the final year of his current contract.

He has yet to sign an extension beyond the end of next season, causing growing interest in his signature this summer.

Van Hecke interest

Liverpool and Newcastle United were also admirers of Van Hecke.

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The Magpies previously showed interest in a move in recent transfer windows.

We previously reported that Brighton would look to recoup at least £50m if Van Hecke was sold this summer.

He joined the club from Dutch side NAC Breda six years ago for just £1.7m.

Van Hecke is currently on international duty with the Netherlands after being named in their World Cup squad.

Since making his debut in 2024, he has won 12 caps under Ronald Koeman, his latest seeing him start in the Oranje’s 2-2 draw against Japan at the World Cup last weekend.

Busy summer

After avoiding relegation from the Premier League, De Zerbi imay add more players.

The club are set to re-open talks with Manchester City over a deal for Savinho.

A move for the Brazilian winger last summer failed to materialise.

Spurs had rekindled their interest in Savinho in January but he once again remained at the Etihad Stadium.