Liverpool explore Moisés Caicedo deal but player’s heart set on Chelsea

Liverpool have contacted Brighton over a deal for Moisés Caicedo as they attempt to solve their defensive midfield problem.

The Ecuador international has been a priority target for Chelsea but, with the Stamford Bridge club yet to meet Brighton’s £100m valuation, Liverpool are exploring whether they can hijack the deal. There has been no bid from Liverpool and Caicedo is determined to join Mauricio Pochettino at Chelsea, who hope to get a deal done in the next 48 hours.

Jürgen Klopp has a longstanding interest in the 21-year-old but Liverpool’s late move comes a day after Chelsea lodged a £48m bid for Southampton’s Roméo Lavia. Liverpool have had three offers rejected for the £50m-rated Lavia, the latest worth £45m, and are continuing to explore the market having sold Fabinho to Al-Ittihad for £40m last month.

Klopp has used Trent Alexander-Arnold, Curtis Jones and the new signing Alexis Mac Allister in the defensive midfield position during pre-season. Liverpool visit Chelsea for their opening game of the new Premier League season on Sunday and want to establish whether a deal for Caicedo can be done.

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Chelsea are closing in on signing Tyler Adams from Leeds after having a £20m bid accepted for the midfielder, who is due to have a medical on Thursday.