EXCLUSIVE: Tottenham add surprise Brighton name to summer shortlist but any move hinges on key departure

The Seagulls have already allowed Solly March and Adam Webster to depart following the expiry of their contracts. Meanwhile, Jan Paul van Hecke has joined Tottenham Hotspur in a deal worth £52million.

Carl Rushworth, Carlos Baleba and Bart Verbruggen all have a growing list of admirers, while a number of Brighton's fringe players have also been the subject of tentative enquiries.

With that in mind, all signs are pointing towards it being another busy summer on the Sussex coast.

The Brighton Base can exclusively reveal that Brighton’s Jason Steele has also come under consideration from Tottenham.

The veteran goalkeeper has been shortlisted as a candidate if Spurs decide to dip into the market for a new backup option between the sticks, along with a selection of other homegrown, experienced shot-stoppers in the Premier League.

Roberto De Zerbi publicly praised Antonín Kinský towards the end of last season and is now content with the prospect of promoting the 23-year-old to No. 1, potentially paving the way for Guglielmo Vicario's departure.

The Italian remains admired in the Serie A, and his exit would therefore leave a vacant spot in the goalkeeping department.

Steele was already admired by Spurs prior to De Zerbi's arrival in North London, but the Italian's previous relationship with the Brighton goalkeeper only strengthens the prospect of him becoming a concrete target.

De Zerbi played an instrumental role in kickstarting Steele's Brighton career, promoting him to first-choice goalkeeper ahead of Robert Sanchez - a decision that ultimately led to the Spaniard's move to Chelsea.

The 35-year-old’s leadership, experience and reliability when called upon has made him a key figure on the Sussex coast since, and Brighton are under no pressure to sell if Tottenham opt to move for Steele over their other shortlisted candidates.

The ex-Sunderland star signed a contract extension until 2027 last year. However, should an appropriate offer arrive, the Seagulls have already identified several younger goalkeepers who could be pursued as potential replacements.