Liverpool ‘have submitted a HIGHER bid than Chelsea for Moises Caicedo’ as they battle for the £100m-rated Brighton star and Romeo Lavia ahead of Premier League clash on Sunday
Liverpool have outbid Chelsea for Moises Caicedo as they seek to bolster their midfield before the start of the new Premier League season, according to reports.
Chelsea have had an £80m offer for the Brighton star rejected and have since submitted a £48m bid for Southampton’s Romeo Lavia, who is also a target for Jurgen Klopp.
The offer of £75m plus £5m in add-ons was the fourth bid from Chelsea that Brighton have dismissed for Caicedo as they hold out for £100m.
According to The Telegraph, Liverpool’s offer surpasses the £80m from Chelsea but the Ecuadorian international prefers a move to Stamford Bridge.
Brighton have assured Caicedo, who signed a new four-year contract, that he would be granted his wish to leave if they received an offer similar to Arsenal’s in January.
Brighton star Moises Caicedo is the subject of a transfer battle between Chelsea and Liverpool
However, fellow midfielder Declan Rice’s £105m move from West Ham to Arsenal has prompted a rethink on Caicedo’s valuation.
Seagulls boss Roberto De Zerbi last week admitted he was hopeful that the 21-year-old will be in his team at the start of next season but conceded that the club were preparing for life without him.
Chelsea and Liverpool, who meet in the Premier League on Sunday, are also battling for highly-rated Saints star Lavia.
Chelsea have tabled a £48m bid including add-ons but the Championship side want £50m. Liverpool had identified the 19-year-old Belgian as a prime target and have had three offers turned down by Southampton as they all fell short of their valuation.
The Anfield club have been deliberating whether to improve their offer or switch sights to Fluminense midfielder Andre.
Lavia was left out of Southampton ‘s matchday squad for Tuesday’s EFL Cup match against League Two side Gillingham – and was also an unused substitute for Southampton as Russell Martin’s side kicked off the new Championship season with an away win over Sheffield Wednesday.
He will be allowed to depart the club this summer if a buyer reaches the South Coast side’s £50m valuation.
The Blues – like Liverpool – need reinforcements in midfield and on Thursday met the £20m release clause for Leeds’ Tyler Adams.
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