Sources: Newcastle eye swoop for player Brighton are in contract stalemate with
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(Credit: Imago) Thu 23 April 2026 7:00, UK Newcastle United are keeping a close eye on Brighton defender Jan Paul van Hecke with a view to trying to sign him this summer, sources have told Football Insider.The Magpies have joined the race to sign the 25-year-old, who is attracting ever-growing interest from the Premier League’s elite heading into the upcoming transfer window. Van Hecke is keen to play at the highest possible level and get a taste of European football, and Newcastle are trying to position themselves towards the front of the queue to try and sign him.
Newcastle are facing a rebuild this summer as they bid to push back towards the top end of the table next term, and they want Van Hecke to be a part of their project at St James’ Park. 🔄 Newcastle Transfer Update 🔄 Breaking news on deals in progress, signings, departures, and contract news from the Newcastle United boardroom. VISIT THE NEWCASTLE TRANSFER HUB MORE FOOTBALL INSIDER STORIES Jan Paul van Hecke unlikely to sign new Brighton contractFormer Manchester United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider at the start of January that Van Hecke is unlikely to sign a new deal at Brighton, given the interest that has developed for his services.Liverpool and Tottenham have both been heavily linked with the former Blackburn Rovers man in recent months, and Brown feels that the lure of a potential move to play Champions League football will overrule any efforts from Brighton to tie him down.
Jan Paul van HeckeStatsMalick Thiaw32 (32)Apps (Starts)30 (28)8.9Defensive Contributions per 909.21.55Tackles per 901.255.81Duels Won per 905.551.17Interceptions per 900.970.6Dribbled Past per 900.43Van Hecke’s 2025-26 Premier League stats compared to Malick Thiaw, as per Fotmob.That could be possible at Anfield next season, while Newcastle appear almost certain to not have continental football on the table to try and tempt their targets. The defender has been making an increasingly big name for himself through his performances at the Amex Stadium, and this could finally be the window where he gets the big move that he has been continually linked with.Newcastle have the cash to secure Van Hecke signingDespite his contract situation, a move for Van Hecke is not set to come cheaply for any interested party this summer, as Brighton still recognise his importance to their plans.