(Credit: Imago)

Pete O'Rourke, Transfer Correspondent

Thu 23 April 2026 7:00, UK

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Newcastle United are keeping a close eye on Brighton defender Jan Paul van Hecke with a view to trying to sign him this summer, sources have told Football Insider.

The Magpies have joined the race to sign the 25-year-old, who is attracting ever-growing interest from the Premier League’s elite heading into the upcoming transfer window.

Brighton’s priority is to try and tie the Dutchman down to a new contract as he prepares to enter the final year of his deal, but sources say that he will be sold by the Seagulls if they cannot make progress towards an extension.

Van Hecke is keen to play at the highest possible level and get a taste of European football, and Newcastle are trying to position themselves towards the front of the queue to try and sign him.

Newcastle are facing a rebuild this summer as they bid to push back towards the top end of the table next term, and they want Van Hecke to be a part of their project at St James’ Park.

Jan Paul van Hecke unlikely to sign new Brighton contract

Former Manchester United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider at the start of January that Van Hecke is unlikely to sign a new deal at Brighton, given the interest that has developed for his services.

Liverpool and Tottenham have both been heavily linked with the former Blackburn Rovers man in recent months, and Brown feels that the lure of a potential move to play Champions League football will overrule any efforts from Brighton to tie him down.

That could be possible at Anfield next season, while Newcastle appear almost certain to not have continental football on the table to try and tempt their targets.

Brown also noted that Brighton would rather sell Van Hecke before next season gets underway than during the middle of the campaign, as it would leave them far better placed to try and source a replacement for him.

The defender has been making an increasingly big name for himself through his performances at the Amex Stadium, and this could finally be the window where he gets the big move that he has been continually linked with.

Newcastle have the cash to secure Van Hecke signing

Despite his contract situation, a move for Van Hecke is not set to come cheaply for any interested party this summer, as Brighton still recognise his importance to their plans.

However, money is expected to be of little object to Newcastle, with Football Insider revealing last week that their PIF ownership are set to sanction another big spend in the summer market.

The Tynesiders splashed big money on the likes of Nick Woltemade and Yoane Wissa last summer, and there will be plenty of funds available for top-quality new additions this time around as well.

The club hierarchy are determined to get back to the top end of the table after a disappointing campaign, and they are ready to help Eddie Howe in his ambitious plan to “reshape” the squad.