Brighton’s response to Newcastle’s Jan Paul van Hecke interest revealed
Brighton will reject any bids made for Jan Paul van Hecke in January amid renewed interest from Newcastle United, sources have told Football Insider.
Football Insider revealed on 13 September that Newcastle are still keen on the centre-back despite signing Malick Thiaw over the summer, and Van Hecke could be tempted by Champions League football.
As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, Brighton are in no mood to let Van Hecke leave the Amex Stadium ahead of schedule and will strike a hard bargain on a transfer fee.
Dutch outlet Voetbal International reported last month that Van Hecke is reluctant to extend his contract at Brighton despite multiple offers, giving Newcastle fans hope that they’ll be able to secure his services.
However, my sources have revealed that Van Hecke is set to stay put beyond next January at least, with Brighton ready to reaffirm their reputation as tough negotiators and demand a “big, big fee” for him.
Van Hecke isn’t pushing for a move away and is under contract until 2027, but sources have told Football Insider that Brighton will look to maximise the Netherlands international’s value in the event of a transfer.
Jan Paul van Hecke ‘happy’ at Brighton despite contract stance
Newcastle had identified Van Hecke as one of three options to strengthen in central defence after Marc Guehi opted for a (ultimately unsuccessful) move to Guehi, but the Magpies have since brought in Thiaw.
Thiaw adds to a defensive lineup including Sven Botman, Fabian Schar, Jamaal Lascelles and Dan Burn, but Newcastle could renew their interest in the coming transfer window with another bid for Van Hecke.
“Nothing’s going to happen in January with Van Hecke”, I stated on the new Inside Track podcast.
“He’ll remain at Brighton, I’m sure of that. We know Brighton are such good sellers of players, as well as tough negotiators, and it would take a big, big fee for them to sell Van Hecke.
“For now, it seems he’s happy at Brighton.”
Newcastle to re-shape defence with Jan Paul van Hecke transfer
Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Newcastle could launch a surprise pluy to bring Van Hecke to the North East – using his former team-mate Burn to convince the Dutchman.
Van Hecke is seen as one of the Premier League’s best centre-backs by Newcastle and Football Insider sources alike, but it’s likely Thiaw and Botman will be entrusted to become the long-term partnership.
Carlos Baleba is also being lined up for a big-money move after a summer filled with links to Manchester United, and it remains to be seen if Brighton will be able to retain Van Hecke alongside the midfielder.