Spurs hold 'key advantage' in pursuit of Brighton's Jan Paul van Hecke

[p][a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/tottenham/UDg08Ohm/"]Spurs[/a] are in the market for a centre back this summer, but the exact profile of whoever they sign entirely depends on whether they avoid relegation to the Championship. [/p][p][a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/de-zerbi-roberto/pYizckpN/"]Roberto De Zerbi[/a]'s men climbed out of the bottom three with a huge 2-1 victory over Aston Villa on Sunday after [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/west-ham/Cxq57r8g/"]West Ham[/a] suffered a humiliating 3-0 defeat to Brentford. [/p][p]The Lilywhites are now favourites to stay in the Premier League at the Hammers' expense, and if they do, an exciting summer could be in store, starting with defensive reinforcements. [/p][p][b]According to [a href="https://www.teamtalk.com/tottenham-hotspur/spurs-transfer-news-jan-paul-van-hecke-brighton-exit-liverpool-chelsea-sources" target="_blank"]TEAMTalk[/a], Spurs are ready to step up their pursuit of Brighton centre-back [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/van-hecke-jan-paul/WG59HGIH/"]Van Hecke[/a] ahead of the summer, despite strong interest from Chelsea and Liverpool.[/b][/p][image alt="Van Hecke's stats in recent seasons" id="2c3bf74f-04d3-4287-80df-3a03de823832" credit-line="Flashscore" guid="1ee90117-7804-4faa-916a-b148d5520ae2" original-width="1200" original-height="1200" /][p]Van Hecke has become one of the Premier League's most consistent defenders, establishing a key role in the heart of Fabian Hurzeler's back line. [/p][p]But even if Brighton gatecrash the European places - currently two points behind sixth-place Bournemouth - their defensive stalwart could still depart the AMEX.[/p][p][b]TEAMtalk's report claims that De Zerbi's relationship with Van Hecke gives Spurs a "key advantage" in negotiations, potentially giving them an improved chance of landing the 25-year-old. [/b][/p][p]Van Hecke made 50 appearances under De Zerbi's management at Brighton, with the Italian playing a crucial role in his development between 2022 and 2024. The pair could now reunite at Tottenham this summer, as long as they stay in the Premier League.[/p]