De Zerbi rescued Spurs from a seismic first relegation in 49 years after he masterminded Premier League safety on the final day of the 2025-26 campaign with a 1-0 home win over Everton.

However, De Zerbi immediately insisted lessons must be learned to ensure another survival battle is avoided and the Lewis family, which run Tottenham’s majority owners ENIC, promised to invest in the required rebuild.

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Brighton centre-back Van Hecke has emerged as a key target for Spurs and worked with De Zerbi during the Italian’s time in charge of the south coast club.

Van Hecke has since developed into one of the best defenders in the Premier League and amid a raft of interest, Tottenham have made the first move, but had a bid below Brighton’s valuation rejected, PA understands.

Dutch international Van Hecke is about to enter the final 12 months of his contract with the Seagulls, which has increased the likelihood of a departure this summer.

Spurs have also been heavily linked with the signing of free agents Andrew Robertson and Marcos Senesi, who left Liverpool and Bournemouth respectively at the end of last season.

Consecutive 17th-placed finishes have sparked Tottenham into action, with a letter from the Lewis family to supporters last week promising they were “all in” and that “change is happening” to get the club back competing at the top of the Premier League.