Liverpool are reportedly ready to rival Tottenham Hotspur to sign Brighton & Hove Albion defender Jan Paul van Hecke.
The Reds are potentially in the market for a new senior centre-back after seeing Ibrahima Konate walk away from the club as a free agent.
Van Hecke has been linked as a potential target, and after Spurs saw an opening bid for the 25-year-old rejected on Thursday, it has been revealed that Liverpool are in the mix to generate a bidding war.
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Liverpool could rival Tottenham for Van Hecke
As The Athletic first reported on Thursday, Spurs have made the first move to sign Van Hecke, who has one year remaining on his contract.
The bid is said to have fallen short of Brighton’s valuation, but talks will reportedly continue over a sale.
Meanwhile, The Telegraph has claimed that Liverpool could also join the race for Van Hecke, and hold an interest along with Chelsea.
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A little more information is provided, with the Seagulls reportedly rating the Netherlands international at £70m, despite the time ticking down on his contract.
However, Spurs are said to be leaning on Van Hecke’s relationship with former Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi to give them the edge in the race.
Liverpool, meanwhile, appear to be looking for a player who can rival Jeremy Jacquet and Giovanni Leoni to partner Virgil van Dijk next season.
£70m sounds unachievable for a player with only one year left on his contract, but with no details provided on the exact amount of Tottenham’s bid, it remains to be seen whether a deal could be struck for lower.
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