Van Hecke agrees personal terms with Spurs as De Zerbi targets third summer signing

Jan Paul van Hecke has reportedly agreed personal terms with Tottenham Hotspur, moving the club closer to a third summer signing despite two bids for the Brighton defender being turned down.

Dutch publication VI News reports that Van Hecke has “made his mind up” and is keen to link up again with Tottenham head coach Roberto De Zerbi, who previously managed him at Brighton. The outlet describes agreeing personal terms with Spurs as “a piece of cake” for the Dutch international, and suggests the club are working to finalise the deal before the World Cup gets underway.

Tottenham face competition from Liverpool, Chelsea and Newcastle United for Van Hecke’s signature, but are said to be the frontrunners provided the two clubs can reach a fee agreement. The defender was reportedly impressed by direct conversations with De Zerbi, whose familiarity with the player could prove a decisive factor in the transfer.

Should the deal go through, Van Hecke would become Spurs’ third signing of the summer. The club have already secured former Liverpool left-back Andy Robertson and ex-Bournemouth centre-back Marcos Senesi, though the latter has yet to be officially confirmed. Reports indicate Senesi completed a medical in north London and signed a four-year contract, with an announcement expected shortly.

Senesi’s situation carries an added dimension ahead of the World Cup. The Argentine defender is among the names being considered as a late replacement for Leonardo Balerdi in Lionel Scaloni’s squad, alongside Marcos Acuna, Nicolas Capaldo, Agustin Giay, Kevin Mac Allister and Martinez Quarta. Whether a potential call-up would affect his move to Spurs remains unclear, though reports suggest the transfer is largely settled.

De Zerbi has moved quickly to address defensive depth after Tottenham endured a difficult season that saw them embroiled in a relegation battle. On signing Robertson, the Spurs manager said: “Andy is someone I’ve admired for a number of years and he will bring outstanding technical qualities, experience, leadership and mentality to our team. He is a proven winner at the highest level over a long period and is someone who can be a big player for us, both on and off the pitch.”