It’s been suggested that Newcastle have initiated conversations with Brighton and Hove Albion’s defensive player, Jan Paul van Hecke.
According to information from Dutch news source Voetbal International, Van Hecke is receptive to the possibility of a transfer and might be obtained for a sum around £43 million.
Brighton have found it challenging to convince the Dutch player to extend his present agreement on the south coast, which has a duration of just under two years remaining.
Newcastle have inquired about Brighton’s Jan Paul van Hecke
Therefore, this upcoming summer window offers the Seagulls the greatest chance to obtain the highest possible return from any potential sale of the defender.
It’s understood Newcastle are showing interest in the central defender, and it’s well-known that they are seeking to add strength in depth to that area of their squad.
Fellow countryman Sven Botman has experienced several injury setbacks since his arrival at the club from Lille OSC, while Jamaal Lascelles is on his way back from an extended period on the sidelines and is unlikely to feature all that much for the Magpies, who are participating in several competitions this season, including the Champions League.
Dan Burn and Fabian Schar are both 33 years of age, placing them almost a decade older than the Brighton and Netherlands international defender in question.
Tottenham Hotspur have also been mentioned as potential suitors for Van Hecke, though it’s reported that Newcastle have already made inquiries regarding the player’s potential availability.
Van Hecke might already have some fence-mending to do with a certain member of the Magpies’ squad. During Brighton’s eventual 2-1 FA Cup victory at St. James’ Park last season, the Dutch international, who has earned five caps, seemed to exaggerate contact during an incident involving Newcastle’s Anthony Gordon.
The winger, born in Merseyside, pushed his hands into the Brighton centre-back’s neck area after referee Anthony Taylor had already stopped play for an offside, with the 25-year-old also holding onto a part of Gordon’s jersey.
Van Hecke fell to the ground, holding his head and striking the pitch with his hand as a scuffle broke out around Gordon, who was promptly given a red card by Taylor and subsequently had to sit out the Carabao Cup Final win against Liverpool several weeks afterwards.
Many Newcastle supporters felt that Van Hecke may have overreacted to the situation, with his response playing a role in the match official’s decision to issue the red card.
Van Hecke has an estimated market value of €32 million (£27.6m) according to Transfermarkt.
