Tottenham Hotspur are pushing to stay away from the Championship next season, and they are already making plans for the upcoming transfer window to give Roberto De Zerbi what he wants.
Spurs sit one point above the relegation zone with three games remaining in the Premier League following two consecutive wins under De Zerbi's management, and they now have their future in their hands to stay in the top-flight.
That has seen a number of players beginning to be looked at as potential signings in the summer, while there are also a number of players who are expected to leave, and De Zerbi's preference for one signing has now emerged.
De Zerbi Wants Tottenham to Sign Van Hecke
One player the club are keeping a very close eye on for a summer move is Brighton star Jan Paul Van Hecke, according to TEAMtalk.
Spurs are expecting Cristian Romero to move on this summer, while there are also major question marks surrounding the future of Micky Van de Ven too, meaning a new central defender is likely to be a priority for the Italian boss once the season comes to an end.
Liverpool are understood to have already made a move for the Netherlands international, who is valued at around £60m by the Seagulls, but Spurs are very big fans of the defender, and now De Zerbi has revealed to club bosses that he wants the 25-year-old as his top target.
Brighton are facing a battle to keep hold of him, with his contract expiring in 2027 and no progress on talks of an extension. Now Tottenham are keen to step up their interest, with De Zerbi pushing for a reunion with the defender, who is ready to make the next step in his career, with the club feeling that could give them an advantage in talks.
Tottenham Have Van Hecke Edge
Van Hecke is looking at being one of the most sought-after defenders in the Premier League this summer, but if anyone knows how to get the best out of him it's De Zerbi.
For a player who wants to continue to improve and show that he can be one of the best around, playing regularly is key, and at Spurs he would almost certainly be a first-choice option to play in defence, especially if Romero and/or Van de Ven depart too.
There is big competition for his signature, and a deal won't be easy to do without having European football to offer, but if they stay in the Premier League, they have an ace up their sleeve in De Zerbi and need to use it as much as they can to ensure this season is never repeated again.