Tottenham have made an approach to sign an in-demand midfielder being chased by several of the world’s biggest clubs.
Spurs have been extremely busy so far this summer, completing their third signing of the window this week as Jan Paul van Hecke joined from Brighton.
Spurs made a move for Dutch international centre-back Van Hecke after a terrible 2025-26 campaign where Roberto De Zerbi’s team secured Premier League survival with a final-day home victory over Everton.
De Zerbi worked with Van Hecke during two seasons at Brighton and earmarked the Netherlands defender as a key component of rebuilding Tottenham. After two bids earlier this month were rejected, a £52million offer was accepted and the 26-year-old has signed a long-term contract.
Van Hecke said. “It’s a huge honour to become a Spurs player and when you join such a big club, it’s a dream come true.
“I already have a really strong connection with the head coach, who I’m looking forward to working with again. Micky (van de Ven) has also told me some great things about the club, so I can’t wait to get started.
“I’ve been at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium as an opposition player and now I’m looking forward to walking out there in front of our fans wearing the Spurs shirt. That will be a special moment.”
After De Zerbi rescued Spurs with three wins during his seven matches in charge, the Italian warned lessons must be learned after back-to-back 17th-place finishes and the club’s majority owners the Lewis family promised to fund the required rebuild.
Tottenham’s first focus has been on defence with left-back Andy Robertson and centre-back Marcos Senesi joining on free transfers before Van Hecke’s services were secured to boost a team which has conceded 122 goals in the last two league campaigns.
De Zerbi said: “Jan Paul is someone I know very well from our time together at Brighton, and I’m delighted to be working with him again.
“He is a strong, intelligent centre-back who is brave in possession and plays with personality. Those are important qualities for the way I want our team to set-up.
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“Off the pitch he is mature, a leader and has a hunger to learn and improve every day.
“Jan Paul has made great progress over the past few years and I believe he can develop even further here at Tottenham Hotspur.”
Tottenham turn attention to midfield signings
Following three defensive signings, the manager’s next priority is to improve in midfield, where Fabrizio Romano has shared a transfer update on a possible marquee move.
Indeed, the reporter confirms Spurs chiefs have made a call to enquire about the future of West Ham star Mateus Fernandes.
Manchester United have been strongly linked with Fernandes, while Romano reveals Jose Mourinho and Real Madrid are also interested, but the Lilywhites could swoop in under the noses of two of the world’s biggest clubs.
“It’s true that also Tottenham called the agent of the player, so Tottenham had a conversation with the agent of the player and are interested in Mateus Fernandes.
“But at the moment it’s still early to say where he’s going. Tottenham calling, Manchester United in talks, Real Madrid under consideration, he was one of the names indicated by Jose Mourinho.”
The 21 year-old midfielder scored three times and provided four assists for the Hammers in the Premier League last season, but is expected to leave for a fee of around £80m following their relegation to the Championship.
Spurs are also interested in Newcastle star Sandro Tonali, with De Zerbi personally an admirer of the Italy international since his days managing Sassuolo.
De Zerbi wanted ‘brilliant’ player at Sassuolo, now Tottenham are exploring a deal
The Italian has been an admirer for years.
