Brighton star Moises Caicedo has been the subject of heavy interest from Chelsea all summer, with the Blues struggling to meet his asking price due to Financial Fair Play rules following their mammoth spending spree last season under new owner Todd Boehly.
As a result, Liverpool attempted to hijack the move by agreeing a British record transfer fee with Brighton. However, Caicedo’s preference was a move to Chelsea and the Blues have now been able to strike an agreement of their own with the Seagulls.
Chelsea’s offer totals a whopping £115m, including £15m in add-ons and a significant sell-on clause with the player agreeing terms on an eight-year contract with the option of a further year. As a result, Liverpool now have to turn their attention to other options as they look to sign a third new midfielder after Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai.
The Reds have already had three bids rejected by Southampton for Lavia, with the Saints valuing him at £50m. The Liverpool Echo state the club will return for the Belgian international, but Chelsea are also in the race for his signature.
Despite the imminent arrival of Caicedo, the Blues want to sign Lavia as well and they also had a bid rejected last week. The report states that Liverpool do not believe Lavia is worth what Southampton are asking for him, but they may have no choice but to meet it given Chelsea’s interest.
Should they miss out on the teenager, Liverpool will have to go back to the drawing board. The report adds that of players the club have held an interest in this summer, Crystal Palace value Cheick Doucoure at £70m and Fulham will demand £60m for Joao Palhinha.
The likes of Khephren Thuram, Manu Kone and Aurelien Tchouameni have also been linked with moves to Anfield and manager Jurgen Klopp says it would be “absolutely great” if they can sign a new holding midfielder before the transfer window slams shut.
“It’s not surprising we are looking for that position,” he said. “It’s clear and would be great if we could do something but for now we can do a lot of things. We can play a double six or double pivot as well and Stefan [Bajcetic] is coming back.
“He played that position exceptionally well so we have options, we have Curtis [Jones], we can adapt the system and have options. But yeah it would be absolutely great if we could [sign a holding midfielder].”
