Chelsea are looking to negotiate £80m deal for Brighton star Moises Caicedo

Chelsea are trying to secure the signing of Brighton midfielder Moises Caicedo in a deal worth in excess of £80million.

The Ecuadorian international has been the centre of debate in recent weeks as a number of Premier League clubs prepare to battle it for his signature. 

The likes of league rivals Arsenal and Manchester United have both had reported interest in the Seagulls star – who only signed a new deal at the Amex in March. 

However, as a number of top-flight clubs look to bolster their midfield this summer – the 21-year-old has emerged as a transfer target for a number of clubs. 

And Chelsea remain hopeful of signing the youngster, having had ongoing talks with Brighton chiefs for weeks. 

Blues boss Mauricio Pochettino could see the Ecuadorian become his first signing at Chelsea

Mail Sport understands that the Blues are looking to negotiate a deal worth in excess of £80million in order to sign the Ecuadorian.

A fee has not been agreed yet but, with the player preferring a move to Stamford Bridge, there is optimism that a deal will get done.  

Multiple Chelsea players have been offered as part of the deal to bring Caicedo to west London next season.

The Seagulls have been keen on signing Chelse’s Levi Colwill, however the England youngster is not available for a transfer this summer. 

Midfielder Conor Gallagher – who was recently linked with a move to Tottenham – is of interest to the Seagulls but would not fit with the club’s wage structure. 

Brighton, who qualified for the Europa League and have already sold Caicedo’s regular midfield partner Alexis Mac Allister to Liverpool for £35m.

Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich are also understood to be keeping tabs on the highly-rated midfielder.

England midfielder Conor Gallagher could be used as part of a player exchange deal