Chelsea are expected to plot moves for two midfielders being linked with Liverpool after seemingly pulling out of the race to sign Sporting's Manuel Ugarte.
Ugarte, a player who also emerged as a rumoured target for the Reds in the last month, now looks to be Paris Saint-Germain bound after Chelsea refused to match the wages being offered by the Ligue 1 champions for the Uruguayan.
The Londoners had been optimistic of striking a deal for the 22-year-old and had even offered Sporting a fee higher than the player's £55m release clause, according to talkSPORT.
READ MORE: Liverpool winger 16-month nightmare nears end as options set to improve
READ MORE: Liverpool remain in top spot as Man Utd miss chance and City don't come close
PSG's position as regards wages has ensured Chelsea are now set to 'turn their attention' to deals for Brighton's Moises Caicedo and Southampton star Romeo Lavia. Caicedo is believed to be on his way out of Brighton this summer, having come close to joining Arsenal in January, and is said to be among the players on Liverpool's transfer shortlist.
Lavia, meanwhile, may well be looking for a new opportunity in the coming weeks after suffering relegation from the Premier League with Southampton. A recent Telegraph report made clear Chelsea and Liverpool are both monitoring the 19-year-old, who the Saints view as their 'most valuable asset'.
The above article has stated a fee in excess of £40m could be required to lure the Belgian teenager away from St Mary's Stadium.
READ NEXT:
-
Infamous Liverpool signing lasted less than an hour before being sold
- Alexis Mac Allister could be handed his 'dream' shirt number after Liverpool move
Graeme Souness recreates infamous celebration that nearly sparked riot
- Liverpool denied perfect transfer by 'one of the best players' Jurgen Klopp managed
- Mason Mount laughs off Manchester United transfer claim as Liverpool links continue