Tottenham transfer news: Spurs receive 'big boost' in pursuit of £44m

Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly received a boost in their quest to sign Brighton & Hove Albion defender Jan Paul van Hecke.

Spurs recruited three central defenders in the summer transfer window, including the arrival of Kevin Danso on a permanent deal following last season's loan stint in North London.

Tottenham also signed highly-rated youngsters Kota Takai and Luka Vuskovic, although the latter has since joined Hamburg on a season-long loan deal.Â

While they have strengthened their backline, Tottenham still appear keen to recruit another centre-back who has the quality to provide competition and cover for the club's first-choice central defensive pairing of Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven.

Spurs receive Van Hecke transfer boost

According to GIVEMESPORT, Spurs are weighing up a January move for Van Hecke after deciding against pursuing a deal for the Brighton defender in the summer transfer window.

The report claims that Thomas Frank's side have been given some encouragement in their efforts to prise Van Hecke away from the Amex Stadium.Â

The Dutchman has put off signing a new contract with the Seagulls because he wants to see whether he receives any viable offers in the January transfer market.Â

Van Hecke has entered the final two years of his current contract, which will expire at the end of the 2026-27 season.Â

Brighton set Van Hecke's asking price at around £44m in the summer, but they will be wary that his valuation could drop if they are unable to agree a new deal.

Is it time for Van Hecke to take the next step?

Van Hecke joined the south coast side from NAC Breda in 2020, before he was loaned out to Heerenveen and Blackburn Rovers for the first two seasons of his Brighton career.Â

The centre-back has since gone on to establish himself as a key part of the Brighton backline, having made 94 appearances across all competitons.Â

As a result of his impressive performances for Brighton, Van Hecke has forced his way into Ronald Koeman's Netherlands squad in the past year, enabling him to make six appearances for his country.

Having progressed over the last few years, Van Hecke could feel that it is the right time to make the next step to a club that regularly plays European football.

With that said, Van Hecke will be wary of leaving guaranteed playing time at Brighton to risk playing a backup role at Tottenham in the second half of the campaign, especially as he will want to secure a spot in the Netherlands World Cup squad.Â

As a result, the defender may be best served by playing another full season at Brighton before assessing his options next summer.Â