Micky van de Ven has revealed he spoke to Jan Paul van Hecke about Tottenham as the club plot a third bid for the Brighton defender.
Spurs have twice seen bids rejected for the centre-back, who is said to be keen on reuniting with his former Seagulls manager Roberto De Zerbi in north London.
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Brighton chief executive Paul Barber confirmed on Sunday that Spurs are not the only club tracking the Dutch defender, who has reportedly had a £70million asking price put on his head.
Reports in the Dutch press on Sunday evening claimed the Van Hecke is prioritising interest from Spurs over other potential suitors, with one outlet reporting that personal terms had already been agreed.
Van Hecke is currently with the Netherlands squad in the United States ahead of the World Cup and Oranje team-mate Van de Ven has confirmed that the pair spoke about life at Spurs.
"I did talk to Jan Paul briefly about Tottenham," said Van de Ven on Sunday at a press conference in White Plains, near New York.
"I think it is a good step for him."
Van Hecke is said to be keen to wrap up his future before the World Cup, which starts on Thursday with the opening match between Mexico and South Africa.
Netherlands kick off their campaign against Japan on Sunday.
Oranje head coach Ronald Koeman is keen for any transfer issues to not distract his players.
He told reporters: "Ideally, I would prefer a player to have peace of mind regarding his club. And that there is clarity about the future. But I cannot stop it."
