Player nearing agreement to join Tottenham with pre-World Cup deal on

Tottenham‘s summer rebuild under Roberto De Zerbi is continuing at pace, with several significant deals and negotiations developing simultaneously as the club looks to avoid a repeat of last season’s struggles.

One of the headline stories this week has been Spurs’ renewed pursuit of Man City winger Savinho.

Multiple reports over the last few days have indicated that Tottenham are pushing to reach an agreement for the Brazilian, who has long been admired by De Zerbi.

Football Insider reported earlier this week that Savinho is enthusiastic about the prospect of working under the Italian and would welcome a move to north London if the clubs can reach an agreement.

Savinho is not the only player on Tottenham’s radar, though.

Insider Paul O’Keefe recently reported that Fulham winger Harry Wilson and Union Saint-Gilloise attacker Anan Khalaili are also being considered as Spurs assess their options in wide areas.

Meanwhile, defensive reinforcements remain a major priority despite the expected arrivals of Andy Robertson and Marcos Senesi.

That focus on the back line has now brought Brighton defender Jan Paul van Hecke firmly into the spotlight.

According to reports that emerged this morning from David Ornstein’s reporting for The Athletic, later echoed by The Telegraph and others, Tottenham have already seen an opening bid for Van Hecke rejected by Brighton.

The Seagulls are understood to value the Netherlands international significantly higher than Spurs’ initial offer, but negotiations remain ongoing.

Now, Dutch journalist Joost Blaauwhof has provided a further update that will encourage Tottenham supporters.

Tottenham reaching agreement with van Hecke with pre-World Cup deal on

According to his report for Voetbal International, van Hecke ‘seems to be reaching an agreement with Spurs’ on his side, with the ex-Blackburn loanee keen to join De Zerbi in London while club-to-club discussions continue.

Blaauwhof also states on X there is a possibility the transfer “could be finalized before the World Cup” — highlighting the pace at which talks are progressing.

That would represent a major boost for De Zerbi.

The Tottenham boss knows van Hecke well from their time together at Brighton.

The Dutch defender developed into a regular starter under De Zerbi and the pair have seemingly maintained a strong professional relationship since the Italian’s departure from the south coast.

The timing of the move is also notable.

Van Hecke has entered the final year of his Brighton contract and, despite discussions over an extension, has yet to commit to fresh terms. That situation has inevitably attracted interest from elsewhere, with Liverpool, Chelsea and Man City also credited with admiration for the 25-year-old.

Brighton remain in a strong negotiating position, however.

Recent reports have suggested the club want around £70 million for the defender, reflecting both his importance to the team and the wider inflation in the market for elite centre-backs.

Tottenham’s first proposal fell below that valuation, but the fact talks are continuing suggests neither side has walked away from the table.

For Spurs, the attraction is obvious.

Van Hecke is entering his prime years, has Premier League experience, international pedigree with the Netherlands and already understands De Zerbi’s demands.

He would arrive capable of making an immediate impact rather than requiring a lengthy adaptation period.

With Savinho talks ongoing and several other targets being monitored, Tottenham are shaping up for a busy few weeks.

But among all the names currently being discussed, van Hecke may be the one closest to becoming De Zerbi’s next major signing.

If Blaauwhof’s information proves accurate and personal terms are indeed nearing completion, attention will now turn to whether Tottenham can bridge the remaining gap with Brighton and finally get a deal over the line.