Jan Paul van Hecke is reportedly keen for a move away from Brighton this summer as negotiations continue between Spurs and Albion over a potential transfer.

According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, the Dutch defender wants the move to north London, with talks between the two clubs set to continue this week after Brighton rejected two offers.

Romano reported: "Van Hecke wants the move. Club-to-club talks still on after Brighton rejected two proposals."

The defender has emerged as one of Brighton's standout performers over the past two seasons and is attracting significant interest as Tottenham look to strengthen their back line ahead of the new campaign.

It has been widely reported that former Albion boss Roberto De Zerbi is trying to persuade Jan Paul van Hecke to make the move to Spurs. (Photo by GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images)

placeholder image — It has been widely reported that former Albion boss Roberto De Zerbi is trying to persuade Jan Paul van Hecke to make the move to Spurs. (Photo by GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images)

Brighton chief executive Paul Barber told TalkSport that the club have turned down approaches from Spurs, while acknowledging there is widespread interest in the 25-year-old.

"There’s always going to be a lot of interest in our best players," Barber said.

"Certainly in the case of Jan Paul, again, we've been very clear that that interest has been ongoing for a while. It's coming from multiple sources.

"But yes, we have rejected a bid from Tottenham over the last week or so. And in fact, two bids."

Barber also reiterated Brighton's long-standing policy of allowing players to move on when the conditions are right for all parties.

"It is part of the model. We don't make any secret of that," he said.

"We are very clear, not only with our coaches when they come in, but also the players themselves. Players know that if they do well, they progress and bigger opportunities come for them.

"Provided it's right for us as well as for them, and the price is obviously right, then we are prepared to trade."

Those comments could offer encouragement to Tottenham, although Brighton remain determined to secure a deal that reflects Van Hecke's value and ensures head coach Fabian Hurzeler has the strongest possible squad available.

"It has to be right for us as well as for the player," Barber added. "We have to be in a position to make the best trades to suit our model."

With Van Hecke understood to be open to the switch and Spurs maintaining their interest despite two rejected bids, discussions are expected to continue in the coming days as the North London club attempt to reach an agreement with Brighton.