Tottenham have targeted Brighton defender Jan Paul van Hecke in their efforts to bolster Roberto De Zerbi’s squad but have had a first bid rejected.
Tottenham transfer updates: Van Hecke, Robertson, Senesi
De Zerbi rescued Spurs from a seismic first relegation in 49 years after he masterminded Premier League safety on the final day of the 2025-26 campaign with a 1-0 home win over Everton.
However, De Zerbi immediately insisted lessons must be learned to ensure another survival battle is avoided and the Lewis family, which run Tottenham’s majority owners ENIC, promised to invest in the required rebuild.
Brighton centre-back Van Hecke has emerged as a key target for Spurs and worked with De Zerbi during the Italian’s time in charge of the south coast club.
Van Hecke has since developed into one of the best defenders in the Premier League and amid a raft of interest, Tottenham have made the first move, but had a bid below Brighton’s valuation rejected.
Dutch international Van Hecke is about to enter the final 12 months of his contract with the Seagulls, which has increased the likelihood of a departure this summer.
He’s better than Van Hecke: Spurs set to sign new defender within days
Van Hecke isn’t the only defender Tottenham Hotspur hope to sign this summer.
Spurs have announced a deal for free agent Andrew Robertson and have also been heavily linked with the signing of Marcos Senesi, who left Liverpool and Bournemouth respectively at the end of last season.
Consecutive 17th-placed finishes have sparked Tottenham into action, with a letter from the Lewis family to supporters last week promising they were “all in” and that “change is happening” to get the club back competing at the top of the Premier League.
Tottenham ‘ready’ to launch bid for Ligue 1 midfielder
Tottenham are also planning to strengthen in midfield this summer, and have been identified as ‘frontrunners’ for Monaco midfielder Lamine Camara.
Reports in Africa, via Sport Witness, claim Spurs, Aston Villa and Newcastle are all ‘ready’ to submit significant offers for the Senegal international, who already boasts 41 caps at just 22 years of age.
The Monaco star is currently only keen on two of the options however – Villa and Tottenham.
The Ligue 1 club, for their part, are ready to green light a move as they look to cash in, but would like to hold out for €50m (£43m).
Camara played 24 times in the French top flight last season, scoring three times and providing four assists, but is best known for his ability off the ball, averaging over two tackles per game in both domestic action and Champions League matches.
He has been likened to Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton for his ability to sit deep, break up play and launch attacks with his incisive passing, but Spurs may want to act fast, with a strong showing at the World Cup for Senegal likely to raise his price tag.
Tottenham could be offered Juventus star in exchange for Vicario and Udogie
The Old Lady want both Spurs players.