Tottenham backed to accelerate Van Hecke deal after ‘getting encouragement from Brighton’
Tottenham are interested in signing Brighton star Jan Paul van Hecke in 2026 and are prepared to wait until the summer if that’s what it takes to sign him.
That is according to former Tottenham and Man United senior scout Mick Brown, who remains very well-connected at his previous clubs, as he exclusively told Football Insider that Spurs have been long-term admirers of the 25-year-old.
Football Insider revealed in September that Van Hecke could snub Brighton’s contract offer in favour of joining a Champions League club despite holding talks.
That, Brown insists, has led to suggestions that Tottenham could accelerate their interest and may receive encouragement from Brighton as his deal will expire in 2027.
However, Fabian Hurzeler is extremely reluctant to lose any key players mid-way through the season and remains hopeful of keeping the Netherlands international.
Tottenham given encouragement in Van Hecke pursuit
Brown told Football Insider in August that Van Hecke could be interested in leaving Brighton amid interest from Newcastle, although no formal offer materialised.
The former scout, who has a wealth of experience in top-level player recruitment after over a decade at Man United during their most successful period, insisted that Tottenham are among the clubs keeping a close eye on his situation.
“He is somebody Tottenham have been looking at,” he told Football Insider.
“I think we’ve spoken about it before, I’m not sure that’s a position they’re going to be prioritising, because Romero and Van de Ven do a good job there.
“But if they’re looking long-term and making plans for the future, Van Hecke seems to be one they like.
“He’s done very well for Brighton over a number of years now and he’s got good experience playing in the Premier League, so that’s always a bonus.
“The question is just about whether he will be available, because Brighton will be reluctant and the manager definitely doesn’t want to lose a key player.
“It might be something they look at in the summer because I think it will be difficult to sign him from Brighton in January, they need him.
“His contract situation could change things though, and if Tottenham are getting encouragement from Brighton, I’m sure they will want to capitalise.
“They’ll want to make money by selling him, because that’s what Brighton have always done very well, and if he’s not signing a new contract it could force them to cash in.”
Thomas Frank plans to bolster his Spurs squad
Brown told Football Insider that Frank is eyeing an overhaul of his Tottenham squad, with major changes part of his plans to reverse their recent fortunes.
There are a number of positions which have already been highlighted for potential improvements given the team’s inconsistency on the pitch this season.
However, there are doubts about whether Tottenham will be prepared to give him the backing he desires when the January transfer window opens.
Football Insider revealed on 25 November that Tottenham want to sign a striker and a winger in January as priority positions to strengthen Frank’s starting XI.
The boss is set to push for further improvements to mould the squad to suit his style, but despite the board’s backing off the pitch, their spending may be limited.
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