Tottenham Hotspur boss Thomas Frank has been given hope of winning the race to sign Jan Paul van Hecke when the transfer window reopens at the turn of the year as the Hotspur Way target has decided to hold off signing a new contract at Brighton & Hove Albion, GIVEMESPORT sources have revealed.
Spurs have entered a new era as executive chairman Daniel Levy left the north Londoners earlier this week, with Peter Charrington taking on the new role of non-executive chairman, but influential figures behind the scenes are still devising plans to make further adjustments to the squad when the next opportunity arises.
Although French centre forward Randal Kolo Muani was recruited on deadline day, joining from Paris Saint-Germain on a loan deal which does not include an option or obligation to buy, Tottenham have been assessing whether to dive into the market for another option at the heart of the backline.
Van Hecke Delays Penning Improved Contract
Tottenham have been handed a big boost in their bid to sign Van Hecke in January, according to GMS sources, as he has delayed penning a new contract at Premier League counterparts Brighton due to wanting to discover whether he will be the subject of concrete offers during the winter transfer window.
Although Spurs opted against heading to the negotiating table for the Netherlands international during the summer, when he had a price tag worth in the region of £44million, he has remained on their radar as a potential future arrival and they are planning to assess his performances over the course of the coming months.
GMS sources have been informed that Tottenham are showing interest in Van Hecke, who made 39 appearances in all competitions last season, and there is a growing expectation that he will choose to leave Brighton even though they have been keen to convince him to agree fresh terms.
The central defender has entered the final two years of his £50,000-per-week contract, resulting in Spurs and other admirers sniffing an opportunity to pounce for less than his market value if he has still not been persuaded to sign on the dotted line by the time the transfer window reopens.
Brighton are prepared to make Van Hecke the highest-paid member of their squad, GMS sources have learned, but Tottenham are among the sides keeping tabs on his situation at the Amex Stadium as they want to put further pressure on regular starters Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven.
GIVEMESPORT Key Statistic: Jan Paul van Hecke made three clearances and blocked one shot during Brighton & Hove Albion's win over Manchester City last weekend
Spurs Facing Competition to Land Van Hecke
GMS sources have been told that Tottenham are in danger of facing stiff competition to acquire Van Hecke as reigning Premier League champions Liverpool and Newcastle United are also admirers despite choosing not to lure him away from Brighton before the transfer window slammed shut earlier this week.
The 25-year-old, who has been described as 'incredible' by former Seagulls head coach Roberto De Zerbi, is aware that he has caught the eye of numerous sides who would be able to offer Champions League action and that has led to him choosing not to rush into committing his long-term future to his current employers.
Van Hecke's ambition to test himself at the highest level in Europe will help to make his decision on whether to embark on a fresh challenge with Tottenham, Liverpool or Newcastle, GMS sources understand, while he is only likely to stay at Brighton if they enjoy a memorable season under chief Fabian Hurzeler.
Although Spurs are continuing to monitor the ex-Blackburn Rovers loanee, GMS sources recently revealed that the north Londoners have decided they are unlikely to make a fresh approach to land Ademola Lookman despite the Atalanta talisman being in their sights in the final days of the summer transfer window.
All statistics courtesy of Sofascore - correct as of 05/09/2025