Liverpool explore Moisés Caicedo deal but player set for 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 they have yet to meet Brighton’s £100m valuation and 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.

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. The USA international has a clause in his contract that became active when Leeds were relegated last season.

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Brighton are still hopeful of signing Mohammed Kudus from Ajax after agreeing a club record £34.6m for the Ghana forward but have yet to agree personal terms with the 23-year-old. Brighton wanted to finalise the move this week but it is understood that they have so far rejected a request from Kudus for a release clause to be included in his contract. Chelsea and Borussia Dortmund are also believed to be interested in him.