Brighton make fresh approach for Tottenham's Luka Vuskovic

Brighton & Hove Albion are pushing harder to land one of Europe's most sought-after teenage defenders. The Seagulls have tabled an improved offer for Tottenham Hotspur's Luka Vuskovic, a centre-back who has been on their radar for some time.

What happened

Sources indicate Brighton have returned with a better proposal after an initial bid was rejected. The south-coast club are determined to secure Vuskovic, who currently belongs to Tottenham but spent this season on loan at his boyhood club Hajduk Split. While the exact figures remain undisclosed, the improved offer signals Brighton's serious intent to wrap up a deal before the summer window heats up.

Vuskovic, still only 18, has been earmarked as a generational talent. He made his senior debut for Hajduk aged 16 and quickly established himself as a regular, earning comparisons to Croatia's golden generation of defenders. Tottenham signed him in 2022 for a reported £12 million, immediately loaning him back to develop further.

Why Brighton want him

Brighton's recruitment model thrives on identifying elite young prospects before they explode. Vuskovic fits that profile perfectly: tall, composed on the ball, and already experienced in European competition. Manager Roberto De Zerbi demands centre-backs who can build from the back, and Vuskovic's passing range and defensive instincts make him an ideal fit for the system.

The Seagulls have a strong track record of developing Croatian talent, with midfielder Jakub Moder a recent example. Adding Vuskovic would continue that pipeline and provide long-term depth alongside established stars like Lewis Dunk and Jan Paul van Hecke. Given Brighton's likely European campaign next season, extra quality in defence is a priority.

What it means for Spurs

Tottenham face a dilemma. Spurs invested heavily in Vuskovic but have yet to integrate him into the first-team picture. With Ange Postecoglou's side needing immediate reinforcements, Vuskovic may not be ready for regular Premier League action just yet. A sale with a buyback or sell-on clause could be a pragmatic solution.

Brighton's improved offer might force Tottenham to make a decision: cash in now with some future protection, or hold out in the hope Vuskovic fulfills his potential elsewhere. Given the club's need to balance the books after a busy window, a significant fee for a player yet to debut could be tempting.

What it means going forward

If Brighton succeed, it would be another statement of intent. The club is building a squad capable of sustained top-half finishes and European nights. Vuskovic would be a long-term project, but his immediate ceiling suggests he could challenge for minutes sooner rather than later.

For Tottenham, losing such a touted talent would be a risk. But with Postecoglou focusing on Premier League-ready players, the funds from Vuskovic's sale could be reinvested into more experienced targets. The next few weeks will determine whether the Croatian's future lies in north London or on the south coast.