Brighton & Hove Albion manager Roberto De Zerbi hopes that in-demand midfielder Moises Caicedo will remain at the AMEX Stadium until the end of the season despite links with Liverpool and Chelsea.
The Ecuadorian midfielder has come to the fore this season as one of the Seagulls' star performers. His performance against the Reds last weekend affirmed his growing reputation.
In recent weeks, Liverpool have been linked with the 21-year-old's services but face competition from Graham Potter's side. On Thursday, it had emerged that the Londoners reportedly had a £55m bid rejected.
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De Zerbi took charge of the south coast side following the exit of Potter and has already laid special praise on the former Independiente del Valle midfielder.
This month, Jurgen Klopp's side have been urged to strengthen their options in midfield which has lead to a number of rumoured targets. The German boss hinted at potential summer rebuild prior to last weekend's defeat.
Speaking ahead of Brighton's clash against Leicester City (Saturday, 3pm), the Italian hopes that Caicedo will remain at the club this month but couldn't rule out a prospective exit in six months.
"I don't know, I think it's very important for us," he explained, highlighting what impact he has in their midfield. "It's a difficult change for another player inside of the season, I hope he finishes the season with us.
"But in the transfer market, it's difficult to get one answer. When there are some bigger teams wanting our player, it's good news for us.
"The best solution is he can finish the season with us and in the summer, next summer, for him it's better to change. I don't know [if he'll leave] if Caicedo continue to play like this, like the last games, it's possible he can leave for another team."
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