Tottenham are continuing to monitor Brighton centre-back Jan Paul van Hecke ahead of a potential move for the Dutchman next year, reports TEAMtalk.
Spurs are expected to prioritise a left winger when the January transfer window opens, with Antoine Semenyo and Savinho of Bournemouth and Manchester City, respectively, both targets for the north London side.
However, Spurs are also considering a move for a centre-back, with Van Hecke emerging as an option for Thomas Frank’s side.
Spurs to move for Van Hecke next year
Spurs explored a transfer for Van Hecke earlier in the summer, but were unable to agree a fee with Brighton for the 25-year-old.
Some reports suggest that the Europa League champions are prepared to lodge a £40m bid for the Netherlands international, either in January or at the end of the season.
Van Hecke has played every minute for Brighton in the Premier League this season and scored twice in their recent 4-3 loss to Aston Villa in midweek.
The south coast side are keen to tie their star defender down to a new long-term contract, with the centre-back currently tied to the club until 2027.
Hurzeler calls on centre-back to sign new deal
Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler has called on Van Hecke to extend his stay at the AMEX Stadium, and recently told The Argus: “Hopefully he has a long and bright future here in Brighton.
“When you see his past, where he has come from, what he went through to where he is now, you see a really consistent development. That’s because of his attitude. That’s because of his mindset. His effort is always above the things you can expect as a coach
“That makes his values so important to us. He’s a Dutch guy, so I already like him, he’s very straight with you and honest with his opinion. I think that’s always powerful in the team
“He’s one of my leaders, he’s in the leadership group. He has taken more responsibility and more ownership this season. I think that’s the next step for him, to not only be a great performer, but also try to be a leader in this club.”
Brighton hoping to bounce back from Villa loss
Brighton and Van Hecke are next in action on Sunday afternoon when the Seagulls host West Ham.
Hurzeler will hope to oversee a return to winning ways at the weekend after the midweek 4-3 loss to Aston Villa ended a four-game unbeaten run.
Spurs, meanwhile, face Brentford on Saturday afternoon as they hope to end a five-game winless streak following their 2-2 draw at Newcastle on Tuesday night.
