are set to ‘attack’ a deal to sign by opening talks with Brighton in the next 24 hours.
The Seagulls are resigned to losing the midfielder this summer and have set a £80m asking price for the Ecuador international.
Chelsea have so far spent the transfer window trying to offload players, with Mateo Kovacic, and Kalidou Koulibaly already departed.
That has, in part, helped to offset the club’s £600m outlay across the last two windows but they’re now looking at incomings.
Mauricio Pochettino has identified central midfield as an area of priority and Fabrizio Romano says the club will step up talks with Brighton over the next two days.
It’s said Chelsea will ‘attack’ negotiations and want a quick resolution.
From Brighton’s perspective, a resolution will require Chelsea paying their asking price of £80m.
Chelsea have already agreed an outline of personal terms with Caicedo’s representatives and he can expect a significant salary increase if he moves to Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea have rejected three bids from Manchester United for Mason Mount.
The Red Devils will not raise their last bid – which was £55m – and are exploring alternatives.
Ironically, Caicedo is one of the names under consideration by the Red Devils.
United would be willing to spend more than the £55m they’ve offered for Mount, given Caicedo is younger and has three years left on his Brighton deal.
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