Klopp to turn to third-choice Reds target after second Chelsea transfer blow

Liverpool could now move for Fluminese midfielder Andre if they miss out on Romeo Lavia, who is closing in on a move to Chelsea to join new signing Moises Caicedo

Jurgen Klopp has been left frustrated in his bid to sign a new midfielder at Liverpool

Jurgen Klopp has been left frustrated in his bid to sign a new midfielder at Liverpool

Chelsea have broken the bank to sign Moises Caicedo – and are ready to nick Romeo Lavia from Liverpool’s clutches.

‌Big-spending Blues agreed a £115m British record transfer fee for Brighton midfielder Caicedo who snubbed Liverpool to make a “dream move” to Stamford Bridge. Now Liverpool are bracing themselves for another transfer blow as Chelsea look to wrap up a deal for Southampton midfielder Lavia.

‌Liverpool are ready to pay £60m for Lavia after missing out on Caicedo while Chelsea are yet to agree a fee with Southampton but are confident they can do a deal and are in advanced talks.

The transfer saga is in danger of going horribly wrong for Liverpool who agreed a £115m fee with Brighton for Caicedo after becoming frustrated in their attempts to sign Lavia.

But Caicedo – whose unveiling as a Chelsea player had him wearing a Blues shirt as a child – made it clear he only wanted to move to Stamford Bridge. Lavia had been set to move to Liverpool but their sudden switch in transfer targets saw the trail go cold.

Liverpool could now move for Fluminese midfielder Andre if they miss out on Lavia. Caicedo grew up idolising former Chelsea star N’Golo Kante, told Brighton he only wanted to move to Stamford Bridge and has signed an eight-year deal with a one-year option.

UEFA have changed their rules so the cost of the transfer can only be spread over five years but the eight-year deal means they can guarantee Caicedo a bigger contract overall even if the weekly wage fits into their pay structure.‌

Chelsea will pay an initial £100m with £15m in add-ons plus a big sell-on clause for Brighton should he move again which was key in getting the deal done. Incredibly, Brighton signed Caicedo for just £4m two years ago.

Romeo Lavia appears close to leaving Southampton and Chelsea are now favourites to sign him

‌Caicedo said: “I am so happy to join Chelsea! I am so excited to be here at this big club and I didn’t have to think twice when Chelsea called me, I just knew I wanted to sign for the club. It’s a dream come true to be here and I can’t wait to get started with the team.”

Co-sporting directors Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley added: “Moises has proved himself as a standout player in European football over the past 18 months, and we are thrilled to add him to Mauricio Pochettino’s squad.

“Moises possesses a rare midfield skill set and is a player we’ve been targeting for some time. We believe he will make a significant impact at Stamford Bridge this season – and in the years ahead.”

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