Brighton & Hove Albion's Jan Paul van Hecke in action with Forest Green Rovers' Connor Wickham
Sunderland have reportedly agreed a deal to sign Brighton and Hove Albion central defender Jan Paul van Hecke on loan.
The Lowdown: Neil to Stoke
The big breaking news from the Stadium of Light today is that Alex Neil is set to become the new manager of fellow Championship rivals Stoke City.
It is unclear how this will affect their business in the transfer market, with a week still left to go before the window closes.
The Latest: Van Hecke deal agreed
As per Football Insider, the Wearside club have agreed to sign van Heck on loan, after being given the ‘green light’ by Brighton.
They have beaten a number of rival clubs for his signature, and the Netherlands U21 international will be free to join up with the rest of the squad in due course.
The Verdict: Big coup
To beat a number of rivals to a Premier League centre-back in Van Hecke is certainly a big coup for the Black Cats.
Having impressed while on loan at Blackburn Rovers in the Championship last season, manager at the time Tony Mowbray was full of praise for the six-foot-two colossus:
“He looks like Bobby Moore out there sometimes. It’s amazing to watch how composed, how calm he can be, yet he has the fire of a warrior in belly.”
Should Sunderland sign Van Hecke?
Yes
No
Van Hecke has already shown his worth in England’s second division, and so SAFC should be confident that he can perform for them as well.
Given Neil’s imminent departure, this is at least some positive news for the club.
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