Chelsea's search for a midfield rework continues in the January transfer window, with the need to strengthen their central ranks for the short-and-long-term. Midfield duo N'Golo Kante and Jorginho are both nearing the end of their deals, with just months remaining, while the age profile isn't set well for the years to come.
Benfica star Enzo Fernandez has been the main target linked with the switch after the 21-year-old's impressive displays for World Champions Argentina in the World Cup. Talks have since stalled though, with the Blues told they either have to trigger the release clause or not sign him at all.
Benfica boss Roger Schmidt hit out at interest over the midfielder, though didn't directly state Chelsea, telling reporters: "There is a club that wants him, they tried to attract him, but they know that they can only have him if they pay the clause. It's disrespectful to all of us, to Benfica, they're driving the player crazy, they pretend they want to pay the clause and then they want to negotiate."
READ MORE: Why Todd Boehly is eyeing £88m Mykhaylo Mudryk January transfer as Chelsea hijack Arsenal deal
With their currently being a stand-off in talks over a deal for Fernandez, attention for the Blues may turn elsewhere for a young midfielder. One of those linked is Brighton's Moises Caicedo, who impressed under Graham Potter after he joined the Seagulls and progressed into the first team.
Despite that interest though, Brighton CEO Paul Barber has been adamant on his stance over an exit, telling CBS Sports journalist Ben Jacobs: "I'm pleased to say we haven't had any [approaches for Caicedo]. Maybe they [Liverpool] haven't got my email because I haven't seen any. I'm not sure £42m will even include the boots now, maybe just the laces," he said, referring to comments made by Potter in the summer.
"But joking aside, every player's value is ultimately determined by the market. Graham's comments were part in jest but part serious because Moises has been an exceptional player for us... Since he came to the Premier League, he has developed all the time.
"He's a young man with a great attitude, fantastic work ethic and a very nice human being off the pitch. So all those things contribute to the to the value of a footballer should it come to that moment to sell."
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