Tottenham Hotspur chase Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba and defender Jan Paul van Hecke

Tottenham Hotspur manager Roberto De Zerbi is targeting Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Carlos Baleba. Sources say Manchester United's interest in Baleba has cooled, giving the club a clearer path to sign the 22‑year‑old once the summer window opens.

Spurs are also negotiating for Brighton centre‑back Jan Paul van Hecke. An initial £70 million bid was rejected by Brighton, but talks continue as Tottenham aim to reunite the Dutch defender with De Zerbi, who coached him at the south‑coast club. Van Hecke has two years left on his contract and is also linked with Chelsea and Liverpool.

Both players are seen as key to reshaping Tottenham’s midfield and defensive lines ahead of the new season, complementing other potential signings such as Marcos Senesi and Andy Robertson.