Hijack HIJACKED: Chelsea set to complete RECORD Caicedo transfer

James Shearman

• Updated: 12 Aug 2023 20:34 BST
• 3 min read

Chelsea are reportedly close to completing the signing of Moises Caicedo from Brighton.

In a bizarre transfer saga, Caicedo seemed destined to move to the west London club all summer before Liverpool swooped in and offered £110 million on Thursday.

It then seemed as though Liverpool had stolen the most in demand defensive midfielder on the market from under the Blues' nose.

MORE: Chelsea talks with midfielder break down

However, Chelsea convinced Caicedo to hold out for a move to Stamford Bridge as they worked towards agreeing a transfer fee with Brighton.

And CBS reporter Ben Jacobs is now reporting that the Blues have had a £115m bid accepted.

He will sign a eight-year contract at Stamford Bridge, with the option of a further year, according to Fabrizio Romano.

Romeo Lavia to Chelsea?

Southampton wonderkid Romeo Lavia has been viewed as the best alternative to Caicedo and was expected to be signed by the club that lost out on the Ecuadorian.

But Chelsea are now reportedly close to finalising a £50m deal for the Southampton wonderkid too.

If it does get over the line, the Blues will have turned a position of weakness into a position of great strength overnight.

Though it remains to be seen whether Liverpool will try to hijack the deal or avoid negotiating against the Blues' ambitious owners again.