Chelsea transfer target to rejoin pre-season amid rumours Brighton have rejected £70m bid

Brighton and Hove Albion expect midfielder Moises Caicedo to join their pre-season training in the United States this week despite sustained interest from Chelsea for his services this summer.

The midfielder alongside fellow Ecuadorian Pervis Estupinan were granted extended holidays as it made sense for them to join the team in the United States instead of flying back to Europe and then back across the Atlantic again.

Chelsea have been locked in negotiations with Brighton for the midfielder’s signature having seen the departure of Mateo Kovacic to Manchester City, and N’Golo Kante bringing an end to his European experience by moving to Saudi Arabia.

Brighton turned down an offer in the region of £75million for the midfielder in January from Arsenal and sources have consistently told LondonWorld that they want a fee in the region of £100million for him or nothing.

Chelsea bid £70million and an additional five in add ons but Brighton have turned that down according to Fabrizio Romano with the midfielder said to be keen on moving to Chelsea just like Marc Cucurella before him.

Last season, Chelsea raided Brighton for the entire coaching staff but chairman Tony Bloom is reported not to be upset as he understand the bussiness side of football quite well.

Ironically both Chelsea and Brighton will meet for the pre-season game with Caicedo expected to be part of the Seagulls team. Chelsea have the trio of Reece James unwell, Wesley Fofana injured and Armando Broja- all still recovering from the knee operation he had last year.