Brighton immediately rejected Chelsea’s improved offer of £80million for Moises Caicedo, talkSPORT understands.
The Blues had bid £70m for the Ecuador International last week – which was knocked back in seconds by the Seagulls.
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But the west Londoners remain determined to sign the 21-year-old, with Maurcio Pochettino a huge fan of the midfielder.
However their new £80m bid has yet again fallen short of Brighton’s asking price.
Chelsea had already had an offer of £60m turned down earlier in the window.
Roberto De Zerbi’s side will not sell Caicedo for less than £100m as they hold firm in their valuation of the player.
Caicedo has reportedly already agreed personal terms with the Stamford Bridge outfit – favouring a move to Chelsea over other teams.
He previously told Ecuadorian outlet TC Television: “It’s a big team, that’s true.
“A very historic team which I can’t say no [to joining] because it’s a very big, historic, beautiful team.
“The city as well is beautiful. It’s got everything beautiful.”
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But there is a real possibility that he could remain at the Amex Stadium beyond the summer.
talkSPORT understands that Chelsea are reluctant to meet Brighton’s demands, and are already eyeing up an alternative.
Should they fail in their swoop for Caicedo, they could look to hijack Liverpool’s move for Southampton starlet Romeo Lavia.
