Liverpool have made contact with Brighton over a rival bid for Chelsea’s top transfer target, Moises Caicedo.
The Reds are considering hijacking Chelsea’s approach after the Blues bid £48million for Liverpool target Romeo Lavia last night.
Chelsea and Liverpool’s transfer activity has become intertwined as both clubs target much-needed midfield reinforcements.
Liverpool have had three bids rising to £46m rejected by Southampton for Lavia, while the west Londoners have been struggling to agree a fee all summer for Caicedo.
Lavia has already given Liverpool the go-ahead to complete a move this summer by agreeing personal terms with the Anfield club.
Similarly, Chelsea have an agreement in place over personal terms with Caicedo and have this week made positive steps in talks with Brighton.
Caicedo will cost significantly more than Lavia as Brighton hold out for £100m.
Chelsea are increasingly willing to meet Brighton’s demands but require a favourable payment structure to pay such a substantial sum.
The Seagulls are willing to hold onto the Ecuador international for another season if their demands are not met, even though Caicedo is currently absent from training as he tries to force the move through.
Meanwhile, Chelsea have agreed a £20m deal for Leeds midfielder Tyler Adams, which has thrown Conor Gallagher's future into renewed doubt.
