Sources: Tottenham are 'coming back with improved offer' for Jan Paul van Hecke, 'imminent' bid revealed

Jan Paul van Hecke is detemined to agree a move to Tottenham Hotspur this summer and has given them encouragement in their pursuit.

Spurs have already seen two bids rejected for the Brighton centre-back, and are expected to return with an increased third offer in the next few days.

Roberto De Zerbi has identified him as his first-choice transfer target, and the defender is believed to be keen on a reuinion with his former boss.

As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider's Transfer Insider podcast, De Zerbi wants to join Tottenham and has now got his eyes set on a move away from Brighton.

With just one year remaining on his contract at the Amex, there is a growing expectation that the Seagulls will be forced to let him go to raise funds from his sale.

That, alongside the defender's stance, has given Tottenham encouragement that their third bid could finally be accepted by Brighton.

Will Tottenham complete a move for Jan Paul van Hecke?

Football Insider revealed on 12 June that Tottenham are set to make a third bid for Van Hecke at an increased fee of £55million after seeing two offers rejected.

The previous offers are believed to have been worth £40million and £50million, with the clubs now edging closer to an agreement on the defender's valuation.

Personal terms with Van Hecke are not expected to be an issue when a deal is agreed, and Spurs and now moving closer to their third signing of the summer.

Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: "Spurs will come back with a slightly improved offer of around £55m for Van Hecke.

"Brighton turned down the first two offers because they want to make as much money as they can, but they're not in the strongest position here.

"There's a confidence that Tottenham can get this deal over the line because the player is interested in making that move to Tottenham as well and to work again with Roberto De Zerbi.

"There is plenty of optimism on Tottenham's side and on the player's side that a deal can be reached which is encouraging for Spurs that he wants to make the move.

"So I expect that third bid for Van Hecke will be pretty imminent."

What does this deal mean for Micky van de Ven?

Tottenham are now accelerating their move for Van Hecke, which has called into question the futures of their current defensive options under De Zerbi.

Speculation about Cristian Romero has been ongoing for months, but there are also doubts surrounding Micky Van de Ven's stance on staying at Tottenham.

Former Spurs scout Mick Brown told Football Insider on 7 June that Liverpool could make a move for Van de Ven as they aim to capitalise on the ongoing doubts.

Andoni Iraola's side have been keeping a close eye on the 25-year-old as they aim to replace Ibrahima Konate and could now step up their efforts to agree a deal.

Should Spurs land a deal for Van Hecke, who could line up alongside Van de Ven for the Netherlands this summer, it could open the door to a move.