Why Tottenham think they can now beat Liverpool and Chelsea to Jan Paul van Hecke
Below is a summary of the full article. Click here for the full version from Rousing the Kop or go back to LFC Live.
Liverpool reportedly trail Tottenham as the race to sign Brighton centre-back Jan Paul van Hecke begins to heat up.The Reds still do not know whether Ibrahima Konate will be playing for them next season, and have been doing due diligence on replacements as a result.News emerged from the Netherlands last week that Liverpool have been in contact with Van Hecke over a move to Anfield. But according to TeamTALK, the presence of former Seagulls boss Roberto De Zerbi could swing things in Tottenham’s favour.
Liverpool keep Arne Slot, Xabi Alonso goes to Chelsea. Barroso/Europa Press/Getty Images De Zerbi holds the key in Van Hecke chaseVan Hecke has been a consistent performer for Brighton over the past two years, and with only one year left on his contract, looks likely to depart this summer.TeamTALK claims that three teams in particular – Tottenham, Liverpool and Chelsea – are most keen on the 25-year-old.Liverpool and Chelsea are said to have made enquiries in recent weeks for Van Hecke, and are reportedly ‘ready to invest’ in him in the coming months.Spurs, though, are claimed to believe that De Zerbi can give them the advantage, as Van Hecke looks to link up with the manager who made him a regular starter at the Amex Stadium.READ MORE: Liverpool have two standout Adam Wharton alternatives emerging in the French Ligue 1Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty ImagesThe North London side are reportedly planning an overhaul of their defensive options if they stay in the Premier League, and believe that the promise of being a part of the revamp could also appeal to the Netherlands international.Meanwhile, Liverpool are said to remain firmly in the race, but are seemingly no longer favourites to land Van Hecke.How big of a blow that could be will depend on the eventual outcome of Konate’s contract talks.With mere weeks left until the end of the season, the Frenchman currently looks to be heading for the Anfield exit.
If he does depart, Van Hecke would be an able and experienced deputy. Join Our NewsletterReceive a digest of our best Liverpool content each week direct to your mailbox