Liverpool shook up the transfer market this week as they swooped in for Moisés Caicedo, Chelsea’s top priority transfer target. The Blues had been linked with the Brighton midfielder throughout the summer transfer window, but Jurgen Klopp’s side pounced with a surprise bid that would have broken the British record.
Liverpool put an eye-watering £111 million on the table in an attempt to derail Chelsea’s pursuit of Caicedo. The amount was agreed upon by the two clubs, but after being scheduled for a physical on Merseyside, the 21-year-old rejected down the deal and stated that he would only leave Brighton if it was for a move to Chelsea.
The Blues have now gained the lead in the race to sign Roméo Lavia, potentially stinging Liverpool twice. The Reds have been trying long and hard to reach an agreement with Southampton, but have had previous bids rejected. And, despite being the clear favourites to sign Lavia, Chelsea are suddenly in pole position.
According to Sky Sports, Mauricio Pochettino’s side are ‘near to an agreement’ with the Saints, who have made it clear that they will not budge from their asking price of £50 million. The Blues made a £48 million bid earlier this week after Liverpool had three bids rejected, the most recent of which was worth £45 million.
Both clubs are still keen on signing the 19-year-old Southampton midfielder, and Liverpool are set to undertake additional negotiations about bringing him to Anfield.
Following the departures of Jordan Henderson, James Milner, and Fabinho, the Reds are in severe need of fresh defensive midfielders. Thiago is also being pursued by Saudi Arabia, leaving Liverpool with only five players in their engine room if he leaves this summer. Currently, Stefan Bajcetic is the only natural No.6 on Klopp’s senior squad.
