Tottenham have targeted Brighton defender Jan Paul van Hecke in their bid to strengthen Roberto De Zerbi’s squad but an initial bid was rejected.
Tottenham transfer updates: Van Hecke, Robertson, Senesi
De Zerbi saved Spurs from relegation for the first time in 49 years after securing Premier League safety on the final day of the 2025-26 campaign with a 1-0 home win over Everton.
However, De Zerbi was quick to stress that lessons must be learned to ensure another survival battle is avoided and the Lewis family, who own Tottenham’s majority, ENIC, have pledged to invest in the necessary rebuilding.
Brighton defender Van Hecke emerged as a reference for Spurs and worked with De Zerbi during the Italian’s time in charge of the south coast club.
Van Hecke has developed into one of the best defenders in the Premier League and amid interest, Tottenham made the first move, but Brighton’s below average bid was rejected.
Dutchman Van Hecke is set to enter the final 12 months of his contract with the Seagulls, raising the prospect of a move this summer.
Better than Van Hecke: Spurs will sign a new defender within days
Van Hecke is not the only defender Tottenham Hotspur are hoping to sign this summer.
Spurs have also been heavily linked with the signing of free agents Andrew Robertson and Marcos Senesi, who left Liverpool and Bournemouth respectively at the end of last season.
Back-to-back 17th-place finishes 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 bring the club back into contention at the top of the Premier League.
Tottenham are ‘ready’ to launch a bid for the Ligue 1 midfielder
Tottenham are also planning to strengthen their midfield this summer, and have been identified as ‘frontrunners’ for Monaco midfielder Lamine Camara.
Reports in Africa, via Sports Witness, claim that Spurs, Aston Villa and Newcastle are all ‘ready’ to make serious bids for the Senegal international, who has already made 41 appearances at just 22 years of age.
The Monaco star is currently only looking at two options – Villa and Tottenham.
The Ligue 1 club, meanwhile, are ready to green-light a move as they look to raise funds, but would prefer to go ahead with €50m (£43m).
Camara played 24 times in France’s top flight last season, scoring three goals and providing four assists, but is best known for his ability off the ball, averaging two strikes per game in domestic and Champions League matches.
He has been compared to Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton for his ability to stay deep, break up play and attack with his incisive passing, but Spurs may want to act quickly, with a strong showing at the World Cup in Senegal likely to increase his price.
Tottenham could be offered the Juventus star in exchange for Vicario and Udogie
The Old Lady are looking for both Spurs players.
