Tottenham submits second £70m bid for Van Hecke

Brighton & Hove Albion have rejected Tottenham Hotspur’s initial £70m bid for Netherlands defender Jan Paul van Hecke. Tottenham are expected to return with a higher offer in the coming days. Brighton have indicated they will consider improved terms. Van Hecke, 23, is a left-back who joined Brighton in January 2022 from AZ Alkmaar. He has made 52 appearances for Brighton since his move. Tottenham’s interest follows their pursuit of defensive reinforcements this summer. Brighton have not commented publicly on the situation. The next bid is anticipated to surpass £75m. Van Hecke’s contract includes a release clause reportedly set at £80m.