Liverpool should be on alert as Brighton’s Jan Paul van Hecke opens door to transfer

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Liverpool look to be going full steam ahead towards the transfer of Alexander Isak in what remains of the summer transfer window.

The Reds have had a superb time of things in the market and look ready to put the cherry on top with the record signing of Isak.

However, while attention is on exciting additions at the top end of the pitch, Liverpool must be careful not to leave themselves short in defence.

After Joe Gomez flew back from the tour of Asia with an achilles problem, Arne Slot has only two fit, senior centre-halves: Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate.

While these are two fantastic options for the Liverpool head coach to call upon, it is simply not enough. The Reds have to dip into the market.

Marc Guehi has been heavily linked, but with Crystal Palace holding out for a big fee for their captain, a deal currently looks unlikely. As Liverpool look for alternative options, they should be interested in the developing situation around Brighton defender Jan Paul van Hecke.

Jan Paul van Hecke opens the door to Brighton exit

Van Hecke was one of the Premier League’s most impressive centre-backs last season, cementing his status as a key player for Brighton and breaking into the Netherlands national team.

And having been developing his reputation as someone who could potentially play at a higher level, Dutch outlet Voetbal International report that Van Hecke is looking for a move.

The 25-year-old has two years left on his deal at the Amex, but will reportedly snub Brighton’s attempts at an extension.

Instead, Van Hecke is said to be eyeing a transfer to a Champions League club, with Tottenham and Newcastle both claimed to have enquired recently. Brighton are reportedly looking for at least £43m to sell.

READ MORE: What Newcastle failing to sign Benjamin Sesko would mean for Alexander Isak joining Liverpool

While this is a very similar price to what Palace are demanding for Guehi, Van Hecke’s situation is slightly different.

The Netherlands international has two years left on his deal as opposed to Guehi’s one, and Liverpool could see this as better value as a result.

Less high-profile than Guehi, Van Hecke would likely be cheaper in terms of wages and arguably has a similar ceiling in terms of development.

Van Hecke could be ideal third centre-back

Brighton are never ones to sell their best players on the cheap, but with Van Hecke seemingly playing hardball over a new contract, they may not have a lot of leverage here.

Liverpool can take advantage of that and sign one of the Premier League’s most solid defenders for a reasonable fee.

Another advantage of Van Hecke’s would-be addition is that he knows, and has played alongside Van Dijk.

“He’s really coaching a lot in the game,” Van Hecke said of the Liverpool captain in March. “If he goes for a duel, you almost know he’s going to win it. It makes it a bit easier for me to play next to him.”

After Van Hecke opened the door to a Brighton exit, Liverpool should be alert to the possibility of pairing the two countrymen together at Anfield.