Chelsea expected to step up talks for 21yo midfielder

Chelsea are expected to make a serious approach for Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Moises Caicedo next month.

The Ecuador international has been a superb performer for the Seagulls over the past year, and he could pursue a bigger challenge soon.

Arsenal and Chelsea were both interested in signing him in January, but the former are now close to landing West Ham's Declan Rice.

Hence, the Blues have a free run at signing Caicedo from the Seagulls, but the process won't be easy due to the high transfer valuation.

Brighton owner Tony Bloom is one of the toughest negotiators in the Premier League. He is set to demand £100m for Caicedo.

The Blues should have the funds to afford the midfielder after recouping plenty from the sale of out-of-favour players this month.

Caicedo has almost agreed personal terms with the west Londoners, and the move could be formality once the transfer fee is agreed.

Manchester United recently made contact with Caicedo's agent, but they don't have the budget to compete with the Blues for him.