Chelsea and Liverpool have been handed a huge potential transfer boost in their approach for Brighton midfielder Moises Caicedo in the transfer window. It comes as both sides appear desperate to improve their central ranks amid dips in form during the Premier League season.
The Blues are in particular need of a midfield rework, with key players Jorginho and N'Golo Kante nearing the end of their deals at the club and arguably beyond their peak years. The options beyond them are few and far between and the Blues' recent approach for Benfica's Enzo Fernandez shows the next transfer priority for the squad.
For Graham Potter's vision, he may need someone he can trust to hold down the midfield that will also fit with the vision of the new ownership structure. Caicedo fits both of those criteria, with the Ecuador international impressing at 21-years-old at the heart of the Seagulls' side.
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Brighton CEO Paul Barber has so far issued a hands off warning to teams wanting to make an approach, quoting a previous statement from Potter where he said £20million wouldn't buy one of Caicedo's boots.
He told CBS Journalist Ben Jacobs: "I’m pleased to say we haven’t had any [offers for Caicedo]. Maybe they haven’t got my email because I haven’t seen any. I’m not sure £42m will even include the boots now, maybe just the laces. But joking aside, every player’s value is ultimately determined by the market.
"Graham’s comments were part in jest but part serious because Moises has been an exceptional player for us. Since he came to the Premier League, he has developed all the time. He’s a young man with a great attitude, fantastic work ethic, and a very nice human being off the pitch. So all those things contribute to the to the value of a footballer should it come to that moment to sell."
While a transfer looks unlikely now, it could be in the works as Brighton, in typical fashion, are always looking at the next player to develop. And, according to Swedish outlet Sportbladet, a move for 19-year-old AIK midfielder Yasin Ayari is being scouted by the Seagulls.
The young midfielder could be seen as a potential long-term replacement to Caicedo, allowing both Chelsea and Liverpool to make their moves.
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