Tynecastle officials are working to finalise a deal to bring the 22-year-old back north following last season’s successful loan spell.
They are prepared to pay the English Premier League club a six-figure fee if they can agree terms with the defender. Brighton invoked their option to extend Cochrane’s contract at the start of this month which ties him to the club until summer 2023.
However, he is keen to play first-team football regularly again next term rather than remain a squad player or head out on loan.
Hearts have submitted their offer and Cochrane is keen on the prospect of playing in maroon next year with the lure of European group stage football.
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