brighton and hove albion A deal has been agreed to sell Jan Paul van Hecke to Tottenham Hotspur this week.
The Netherlands international's exit will leave the Seagulls looking for his successor.
Brighton are focusing on Venezia's Michael Svoboda after failing to make progress on the signing of Spurs' Luka Vuckovic.
The Austria international has a €5m release clause which comes into effect from July.
On Thursday, Sports Witness broadcast news Brighton have informed the Italian club of their plans to activate the clause. They are also working on agreeing personal terms with the centre-back.
Update on Brighton's ongoing efforts
Journalist Lorenzo Lepore took xFormerly known as Twitter reported that the English club have not yet agreed to terms with the defender. However, talks between the two sides are progressing.
TuttoMercatoWeb There is a report on Michael Swoboda, and their headline states that he is 'one step away' from joining Fabian Herzeler's side.
Brighton & Hove Albion are ready to pay €5m for the defender who would welcome a move to the Premier League.
He now wants to focus on the World Cup with Austria, while TMW claim there will be more updates in the coming days.
Sky journalist Dennis Byrne also joined in x Just a brief but important update to share. They claim the Amex club are in advanced talks with the 27-year-old regarding personal terms.
Bayer says there is also no clarity on the duration of the contract, and it is likely to last at least till 2029. If the two sides reach an agreement, Svoboda is expected to undergo a medical with Brighton after the World Cup.
Austria's World Cup fixtures and standings
Ralf Rangnick's side opened the campaign with a 3-0 win over Jordan earlier this week. They are second in Group J and level with leaders Argentina.
Austria's remaining group stage schedule is as follows:
- v Argentina on 22 June
- vs Algeria, 28 June [UK time]
Even if Austria fail to make the next round, Brighton & Hove Albion will have to wait as Michael Swoboda's €5m clause is only valid from July.
🇦🇹Michael Svoboda | Brighton intend to trigger defender's release clause ➡️ Personal terms now need to be agreed https://t.co/PbOubvA61o #bhfc
- Sports Witness (@Sport_Witness) 18 June 2026
