Tottenham set to make third offer to sign Brighton star Jan Paul van Hecke

Tottenham Hotspur are preparing a third offer worth £55million to sign Brighton star Jan Paul van Hecke after seeing two bids rejected.

Spurs have already seen offers worth £40million and £50million rebuffed by the Seagulls, but are growing increasingly confident they will get a deal over the line.

The 26-year-old has just one year remaining on his contract at the Amex, and this window will represent the last chance for Brighton to sell before losing him for free.

As I revaled on the latest edition of Football Insider's Transfer Insider podcast, Tottenham are preparing to lodge a third bid for Van Hecke which has a strong chance of being accepted.

Roberto De Zerbi is keen to link up with the defender who he managed during his spell at the Amex, after identifying him as his top defensive target.

Spurs have also got a deal over the line for Bournemouth's Marcos Senesi, but they are looking to continue with what has been a fast start to the transfer window.

Will Tottenham's Jan Paul van Hecke offer be accepted?

Former Everton CEO Keith Wyness told Football Insider on 10 June that De Zerbi is pushing Tottenham to sign Van Hecke at any price, with the board keen to back him.

New additions have already become a priority for the boss, with Senesi joining Andy Robertson, and the focus now on adding further signings to the squad.

Tottenham have had concerns about their centre-back options all season, and the Brighton star is now seen as the answer to their problems, with a third bid due to be made.

Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: "We fully expect Tottenham to make a third bid for Van Hecke. He is a key target for them.

"Roberto De Zerbi is keen to be reunited with him after his time as the manager at Brighton.

"Brighton have turned down the first two offers because they're trying to get as much money as they possibly can for the centre-back.

"But they're not in the strongest positions here because he's only got one year left on his contract and they won't want to let him run that down and leave on a free transfer.

"Offers of £40m and then around £50m were rejected, but Spurs will come back with a slightly improved offer, of around £55m for Van Hecke.

"There is optimism that a deal can be reached and a third bid will be imminent."

What does this mean for Tottenham's centre-backs?

Tottenham's accelerated move for Van Hecke has raised question marks over the futures of a number of the current defensive options under De Zerbi's management.

Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero have been the first-choice duo in North London, but growing interest from clubs across Europe means they could move on.

Former Spurs scout Mick Brown told Football Insider on 7 June that Tottenham are ready to sell Romero as he is no longer part of their plans under De Zerbi.

Efforts are being on to replace him in anticipation of an offer, with the likes of Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid having been keeping a close eye on his situation.

The bids for Van Hecke have come as they prepare to lose their captain, as the Brighton star is seen as the perfect successor at the back.