Brighton and Hove Albion have rejected an £80million bid (£75m plus £5m in add-ons) from Chelsea for Moises Caicedo.
The improved proposal was submitted on Thursday and turned down instantly via email.
It is the fourth offer Chelsea have made for the 21-year-old after they had offers worth £60m, £65m, and £70m knocked back by Brighton.
Caicedo, who is with the south coast club in the U.S. on their summer tour, wants the move and personal terms will not be a problem. Brighton hope to keep the Ecuador international and it is expected to take north of £100million for the stance of owner Tony Bloom to change.
Brighton have considered recent transfers such as the £105m signing of Declan Rice by Arsenal in deciding their valuation of Caicedo.
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The Athletic reported last month that Brighton were seeking £100m for Caicedo, especially given he signed a new contract in March. Brighton previously rebuffed approaches from Chelsea and Arsenal in January.
Chelsea are now Caicedo’s main suitor and he is determined to seal a switch to Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea are considering alternative options should a move for Caicedo not materialise, including Liverpool target Romeo Lavia of Southampton
Caicedo’s first appearance of pre-season came from the bench during a 2-0 victory over Brentford at the Mercedes Benz Stadium on Wednesday.
(Photo: Getty Images)
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