Brighton chief confirm two Tottenham bids for Jan Paul van Hecke

Brighton chief executive Paul Barber has confirmed that Tottenham Hotspur has made two bids for Jan Paul van Hecke, both of which were rejected. Tottenham’s interest is driven in large part by Roberto De Zerbi, who previously coached the Dutch defender and has helped him develop into a top ball-playing centre-back. Brighton are reportedly asking around £50 million and have shown a willingness to hold firm given rival interest from Liverpool and Newcastle. Tottenham’s move comes as the club widens its defensive overhaul, with Andy Robertson already signed and Marcos Senesi expected to follow, while Van Hecke remains a primary target.