Chelsea interested in signing £70m Brighton star

Chelsea are among the Premier League clubs interested in signing Brighton & Hove Albion centre-back Jan Paul van Hecke this summer, according to The Telegraph.

The west London giants are expected to strengthen their backline ahead of next season, and reports claim that a marquee centre-back could be signed.

They were initially keen to land Liverpool star Ibrahima Konate on a free transfer, but the Frenchman has decided to join Real Madrid instead.

Van Hecke has now emerged as a genuine option for the Blues, but he won't come on the cheap with the Seagulls set to demand £70 million at least.

Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool are also keen on landing the talented Dutchman, and it has been reported that Spurs have made an initial bid.

Their proposal fell below Brighton's asking price, and they are expected to return for him. Chelsea may need to be proactive in the player's pursuit, given Spurs appear determined to sign him before the World Cup.