Chelsea are interested in signing Brighton midfielder Moises Caicedo, who will cost more than £75million this month, according to Ben Jacobs.
Caicedo has been spectacular for the Seagulls since making the £2.5m move from Ecuadorian side Independiente.
There is a lot of interest in the 21-year-old. Manchester United have been linked in the past and actually had the chance to sign him before Albion did.
Liverpool, Chelsea and Newcastle United are also believed to be keen on signing Caicedo.
However, unfortunately for interested clubs, they will have to spend an absolute fortune to land the brilliant defensive midfielder.
A strong showing at last year’s World Cup did Brighton a huge favour as well, with an extra £10m probably being added to his price tag.
Transfer expert Ben Jacobs has provided an update on Brighton’s current stance amidst interest from several Premier League rivals.
Jacobs explains that the Seagulls want at least £75m to sell their star man mid-season.
Chelsea “tested the water” with a £65m enquiry but a January deal will be “tricky”.
Jacobs wrote on Twitter on Wednesday evening:
“Brighton now want £75m+ for Moises Caicedo in January. Their CEO Paul Barber tells me the club “understand” if Caicedo wants a move but won’t sell in January unless their valuation is met. CFC have an excellent relationship with Brighton and have tested the water around £65m.
“January deal is tricky. It will involve paying above Caicedo’s market value, especially with Brighton under no pressure to sell. And Brighton may add a Leandro Trossard fee before the window shuts further solidifying their position of trying to keep Caicedo until at least summer.
“Told Brighton do anticipate plenty of summer interest for Caicedo, too. That’s also why they’ll hold out for such a big fee if he’s to leave mid-season.
“Nonetheless, Graham Potter is keen to reunite with Caicedo. CFC may have to be patient even with limited time left in January. Caicedo has just changed his agent and if a deal does comes off it might be relatively late in the window.
“Paul Winstanley helped bring Caicedo to Brighton and has been used already internally to assess the likelihood of success.
“Liverpool interest in Caicedo dates back to Independiente del Valle. They didn’t move because his agent(s) situation was complicated and there were lots of side costs away from the transfer fee itself. Told they don’t see value in Brighton’s price tag right now.
“Newcastle are also one to watch. Club are looking at more budget midfield options and are still prioritising a creative-minded midfielder over a DM. However they are monitoring the situation.”
Caicedo is worth €38m (£33.2m), according to Transfermarkt.
The Ecuador midfielder has played 17 of Brighton’s 18 Premier League matches this season, missing the home loss to Arsenal after receiving a suspension the match prior.
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