Chelsea’s inability to strike a deal with Brighton & Hove Albion over Moises Caicedo’s deal could come back to bite them after Liverpool placed a watchful eye on the Ecuadorian midfielder.
According to talkSPORT, the Reds are contemplating the idea of hijacking the Blues’ move for the 21-year-old in light of the recent turn of events involving Jordan Henderson and Fabinho.
Henderson is still undecided about his future at Anfield after receiving a bumper contract offer from Saudi Arabian outfit Al-Ettifaq, where he’d be joining Steven Gerrard.
Following a less impressive managerial stint at Aston Villa, the former Liverpool captain has taken a job in the Middle East and wants a reunion with his ex-Merseyside comrade.
While there’s an indication that the 33-year-old could be a rare European star to stay immune to an ever-growing ‘petrodollars’ charm, his illustrious 12-year career in the Premier League is in limbo.
The same goes for Fabinho, who could soon be on the move after Al-Ittihad drafted an eye-watering £40 million bid to prise him away from Jurgen Klopp’s ranks.
Klopp has already secured two important signings in the shape of Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai this summer, with the pair costing almost £100m.
However, it may take the same amount to persuade Brighton to cut Caicedo loose if Chelsea’s stuttering negotiations with the Seagulls are anything to go by.
Encouraged by Declan Rice’s impending move to Arsenal, the East Sussex club have slapped a mind-blowing £100m price tag for their prized asset.
Referring to Rice’s record-breaking move, Brighton have made it abundantly clear their in-demand midfielder won’t leave for less than the Gunners will be sending West Ham United’s way to sign the England international.
Although Caicedo’s long-term contract supports the Seagulls’ absurd request, Liverpool may not shy away from the challenge if Henderson and Fabinho head to Saudi Arabia.
With Mac Allister already on their payroll, the Reds may have a perfect bargaining chip to convince the former Independiente del Valle midfielder to pick Anfield over Stamford Bridge.
But they should first buckle up for potentially summer-long talks with Brighton.