CHELSEA are expected to step up talks over a move for Brighton midfielder Moises Caicedo over the next week.
The Ecuador international is a key target for new boss Mauricio Pochettino, and the Seagulls have accepted that he could leave this summer.
Brighton rejected a £70million bid from Arsenal for the 21-year-old in January before tying him down to a new long-term deal following the window.
Caicedo’s longer deal, and impressive performances since his plea to leave in January, means Chelsea will have to offer a package close to £100million to agree a deal.
Insiders at Stamford Bridge feel a deal is not close at this stage while Brighton are yet to receive a bid from any club.
Early talks between the player’s camp and interested parties have begun and been encouraging, though there are no agreements over personal terms in place with any club.
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Manchester United are also keen on the Brighton star, with frustrations growing at Old Trafford over their pursuit of Chelsea’s Mason Mount.
The Blues have turned down three different bids from Manchester for the England midfielder.
Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi admitted at the end of his record-breaking season on the south coast that star players were likely to leave.
He said: “I think it can be the last game of Alexis Mac Allister and Moises Caicedo.”
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“I think it is right they can leave, change team and play at a higher level.”
World Cup winner Alexis Mac Allister has already left for Liverpool in a deal which could reach £55million, and Caicedo is expected to be the next to leave so long as owner Tony Bloom’s valuation is met.
De Zerbi has added veteran midfielder James Milner and former Borussia Dortmund man Mahmoud Dahoud on free transfers as they look to replace the big names departing.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
