Stay up to date with notifications from The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged inAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleTottenham manager Roberto De Zerbi is looking to bring in new players this summer (Andrew Matthews/PA) (PA Wire)Tottenham Hotspur have had an initial bid rejected for Brighton & Hove Albion defender Jan Paul van Hecke, as they seek to bolster their defensive line this summer. Spurs manager Roberto De Zerbi, who previously coached Van Hecke at Brighton, is keen to bring the Dutch international to his new club. Van Hecke is entering the final year of his contract with Brighton, which could increase the likelihood of his departure despite the rejected offer. De Zerbi is also understood to be targeting other former Brighton players, including goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen and midfielder Carlos Baleba, while Spurs are linked with free agents Andy Robertson and Marcos Senesi. The club's owners, Enic, have committed to significant investment to rebuild the squad and improve performance following two consecutive 17th-place finishes in the Premier League. In fullTottenham’s opening bid for Jan Paul van Hecke rejected as Brighton resist raidThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in

Tottenham are reportedly closing in on the signing of Marcos Senesi but former Spurs midfielder Sandro believes Jan Paul van Hecke should also be on Roberto De Zerbi's radar this…

The centre-back has one year remaining on his Brighton terms.