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(Credit: Imago)
Callum O'Connell
Thu 7 August 2025 15:12, UK
Newcastle United could agree a deal to sign Brighton star Jan Paul van Hecke in the closing stages of the summer transfer window.
That is according to former Man United and Sunderland chief scout Mick Brown, who remains very well-connected within the game, as he exclusively told Football Insider that the 25-year-old has emerged high on the Magpies’ list of targets.
Meanwhile, his former teammate Dan Burn has been a revelation since making the switch and it has been suggested he could sell the idea of a move to the North East.
This comes after Brown told Football Insider on 5 August that Newcastle are interested in Van Hecke after failing in attempts to sign Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi.
Newcastle look set to miss out on long-term target Marc Guehi.
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The England international had been Eddie Howe’s number-one target to strengthen his defensive options, but they have now been forced to consider alternatives.
Brown told Football Insider that Guehi has his heart set on joining Liverpool and will snub the Magpies’ offer should they return with a fresh move.
This article contains exclusive comment from Mick Brown, a football transfer expert and former chief scout for Man United and Sunderland among others.
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Brown told Football Insider in June that Fabian Hurzeler wants to keep Brighton’s best players amid concerns about the number of high-profile sales.
The former scout, who has a wealth of experience in top-level player recruitment after over a decade at Man United during their most successful period, insisted that Van Hecke could now join that list with Burn talking up a move to St James’ Park.
“Newcastle have been looking at Van Hecke from Brighton,” he told Football Insider.
“I like him, I think he’s a good solid centre-back if not a world-beater, but he’s got a lot of Premier League experience now which Eddie Howe likes.
“They’ve got the big left-back, Dan Burn, at Newcastle who played with him at Brighton.
“He could have a quiet word with him and encourage him to make the move up there.
(Credit Imago)
“It might not make much of a difference, but he’s been a huge success for Newcastle and clearly loves the club so it’s something he’d have to consider.
“They’ve been watching his performances for Brighton and feel he would improve their squad, so perhaps they’ll make a move before the window closes.
“Whether Brighton will be willing to let him go, though, I’m not sure because he is an important player for them.”
Alongside their ambitions to strengthen Howe’s defensive unit, Newcastle are also aiming to improve up front amid uncertainty about Alexander Isak’s future.
(Credit: Imago)
Brown told Football Insider on 5 August that Newcastle have set their sights on Ollie Watkins as Howe is a big fan of the England international.
This comes amid fears about their pursuit of RB Leipzig star Benjamin Sesko, who is also a leading target for Man United in the final month of the window.
Football Insider revealed on 3 August that Sesko wants to join Man United despite ongoing talks with Newcastle as the race for his signature continues.
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