Chelsea closing in on £100m-rated signing as Mauricio Pochettino’s side set Liverpool transfer target

Chelsea are closing in on the signing of Moises Caicedo from Brighton & Hove Albion after talks progressed this week.

The 21-year-old is Chelsea‘s number one summer target and several bids, the latest being £80 million, have already been turned down by Brighton.

Caicedo has become increasingly frustrated by the ‘lack of movement’ over his future, with his heart set on Chelsea but the midfielder’s wish is yet to be granted.

He missed Brighton’s pre-season friendly against Rayo Vallecano due to injury, according to chief executive Paul Barber, however Caicedo’s camp insisted it had nothing to do with an injury problem and was down to him wanting to leave. He also missed training on Monday.

Chelsea have been trying to find a breakthrough amid Brighton’s desire to sell Caicedo for £100 million.

Now, as reported by Jacob Steinberg of The Guardian, Chelsea are closing in on Caicedo following progressive talks and they are trying to complete a deal in time for their Premier League opener against Liverpool on Sunday at Stamford Bridge.

No agreement has yet been reached between the clubs and it remains unclear if Chelsea will fork out the £100 million Brighton are currently demanding.

Pochettino confirmed he wanted to strengthen the midfield department, with Cesare Casadei set to depart on loan to Leicester City.

The Chelsea head coach said last month: “We need to add some player there (midfield). We need one more with experience.

“That is the idea. We are working, the club is working on that. At the moment we are working to reinforce that area and other areas also. The players that are here on the tour are in our plan.”

Chelsea are also interested in signing Tyler Adams, who has a £20 million release clause, from Leeds United.