Sources: Sunderland agree to sign Brighton star Jan Paul van Hecke
Sunderland have agreed a deal to sign Brighton defender Jan Paul van Hecke, sources have told Football Insider.
The 22-year-old is set to join the Championship big guns on loan after being given the green light to move by the Premier League outfit.
Sunderland have swooped for Van Hecke as they look to complete a series of late-window signings.
They have beaten a number of rival clubs to the capture of the Holland Under-21 international.
Van Hecke spent last season on loan at Blackburn Rovers as he made 31 Championship appearances.
He was named as the club’s Player of the Season as he became a key part of the side that narrowly missed out on a play-off place.
He recovered after a poor start to his Rovers career as he was sent off in his fifth appearance for a reckless challenge in a game against Fulham.
Van Hecke joined Brighton in the summer of 2020, signing a three-year deal with the club.
His first loan move was back to Holland with Heerenveen, where he was also a key player, making 29 total appearances during the 2020-21 season.
Sunderland have started well on their return to the second tier of English football.
They currently sit fifth in the table winning two, drawing two and only losing one of their opening five games.
The Black Cats are next in action against Norwich City on Saturday (27 August).