Tottenham are keen to reunite head coach Roberto De Zerbi with Brighton centre-back Jan Paul van Hecke, according to Voetbal International.
Van Hecke is enjoying a fine campaign for Brighton, but is yet to put pen to paper on a new deal on the south coast.
The Netherlands international, who is hoping to shine for the Oranje at the World Cup this summer, has a little over a year left to run on his current deal at the AMEX.
Brighton may cash in on Dutch defender
And Brighton would rather cash in on the centre-back this summer than lose him on a free in 12 months’ time.
The Seagulls will hope that a strong showing for Ronald Koeman’s side in North America would see his value rise significantly.
Van Hecke may yet depart the Seagulls for Spurs later this year in a move that would see the defender link back up with De Zerbi.
De Zerbi aiming to guide Spurs to safety
The Italian took over as Spurs boss earlier this month with a view to keeping the club in the Premier League.
The north London side occupy a spot in the relegation zone with six games to play following Sunday’s 1-0 defeat to Sunderland.
Spurs play their first home game under De Zerbi on Saturday, coincidentally against his former side Brighton, where the club will get a first hand look at the 25-year-old.
Chelsea, Newcastle also linked with Van Hecke
Not only have Spurs been credited with an interest in Van Hecke, the likelihood is that they’d face competition from Premier League rivals should Brighton entertain cashing in on the centre-back.
Chelsea and Newcastle have also been keeping tabs on the Brighton star, while any move for Van Hecke would be dependent on Spurs retaining their Premier League status.
Regardless of whether the 2025 Europa League winners beat the drop, first-choice centre-backs Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven have both been linked with summer exits.
Senesi and Robertson also linked to Spurs
And Spurs have made contingencies to replace the pair should they stay up, with Bournemouth’s Marcos Senesi a reported target for De Zerbi's side.
Senesi’s current Bournemouth deal expires at the end of the season, and the Argentine is unwilling to extend his stay at the Vitality Stadium.