Tottenham transfer news: Spurs 'willing to wait until summer' for defender following Brighton 'encouragement'

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly interested in signing Brighton & Hove Albion defender Jan Paul van Hecke in 2026.

Thomas Frank's side suffered a major blow to their Champions League qualification hopes on the weekend, losing 3-0 at Nottingham Forest.

On a similar note, Van Hecke played the full 90 minutes for Brighton on Saturday afternoon, when they were defeated 2-0 by Liverpool at Anfield.

In a match which could have been Mohamed Salah's last for the Reds, summer arrival Hugo Ekitike stole the show, bagging a brace.

Brighton will be looking to halt their three-game winless run when they host high-flying Sunderland in the Premier League on Saturday afternoon.

© Imago / Pro Sports Images

Tottenham encouraged in Van Hecke pursuit?

According to Football Insider, Tottenham are targeting a bolstering of their backline in the upcoming transfer windows.

In Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero, Spurs possess an elite centre-back partnership, although the North Londoners are looking ahead.

The report claims that Frank's side have been impressed by the performances of Van Hecke and could make a move for the defender in 2026.

Given his importance to Brighton, it is understood that it would be difficult for Tottenham to sign the Dutchman in January.

As a result, Spurs are supposedly willing to wait until the summer, when the Seagulls could be open to selling a player who is refusing to sign a contract extension past 2027.

© Imago

Tottenham to take advantage of Brighton business

If star names reject contract extensions, Brighton do not mess about in begging a player to stay - they will sell up for a significant fee.

Should the summer roll around and Van Hecke is still looking elsewhere, Tottenham could be given encouragement to swoop for a deal.

With Romero and Van de Ven in situ at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, the 25-year-old would need to battle hard for a starting spot.