Brighton CEO Paul Barber confirms second Jan Paul van Hecke bid rejected as Tottenham left hoping for third time lucky

The centre-back is heading into the final 12 months of his contract at the Amex Stadium and is therefore expected to depart this summer, having rebuffed the opportunity to extend his stay on the Sussex coast.

Van Hecke is the subject of interest from within the Premier League and around Europe, but Tottenham have sought to steal a march on rival suitors with a sustained effort to secure his signature.

Barber has now confirmed the approach from Spurs in an interview with talkSPORT, explaining that any potential deal, may that be with Tottenham or another interested party, will be on Brighton’s terms.