According to The Athletic, Tottenham Hotspur are on the verge of completing what would be their third major signing of the summer, with the deal expected to be wrapped up within the next 72 hours.
After narrowly avoiding relegation from the Premier League, Spurs are wasting no time in backing Roberto De Zerbi with the reinforcements needed to climb the table next season.
The Lilywhites have already bolstered a defence that has conceded 183 goals over the last three league campaigns by bringing in experienced free agents Andy Robertson and Marcos Senesi. However, ENIC’s business is far from finished, with further additions targeted in goal, defence, midfield and attack.
Talks are ongoing with Brighton & Hove Albion over Dutch centre-back Jan Paul van Hecke, while negotiations with Manchester City for winger Savinho are also progressing. Tottenham are also monitoring goalkeeper James Trafford as a potential replacement should Guglielmo Vicario leave the club.
But one deal has been marked as a priority, and its completion could have major implications for the current squad.
Spurs Eager to Finalise Van Hecke Signing
Jan Paul van Hecke remains Tottenham’s top target, with the Dutch international reportedly making Spurs his preferred destination this summer.
Personal terms are understood to be in place, leaving the two clubs to agree on a fee. Brighton have already rejected two bids, and Spurs are preparing a third offer. Despite Van Hecke entering the final year of his contract, the Seagulls are believed to value the defender at around £70 million.
The Athletic reports that Tottenham hope to conclude the transfer before the Netherlands kick off their World Cup campaign against Japan on Sunday.
Van Hecke Arrival Could Trigger Defensive Changes
If Van Hecke joins Senesi in North London, De Zerbi would have no shortage of centre-back options, with Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven, Radu Dragusin, Kevin Danso and highly rated youngster Luka Vuskovic also competing for places.
Romero’s departure appears increasingly likely after months of speculation, and even if the Argentine moves on, another central defender could also leave given that Van Hecke, Senesi and Van de Ven are expected to become De Zerbi’s first-choice trio.
That could leave 19-year-old Luka Vuskovic facing a difficult path to regular football. Following an impressive loan spell at Hamburg, the Croatian prodigy may have to decide between fighting for opportunities in North London or seeking another move, either on loan or permanently.
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