Chelsea are now poised to step up their attempts to sign Brighton midfielder Moises Caicedo, according to Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth.

The usually reliable journalist claims that the Blues are “expected to formally approach” the Seagulls to discuss a deal for the Ecuadorian international.

Caicedo is also being pursued by the likes of Arsenal, Manchester United and Liverpool but it is believed that Mauricio Pochettino’s side are currently the team best placed to make a formal bid.

Reports have suggested that Chelsea are hoping that £80m will be enough to seal the 21-year-old’s signature, but there are doubts over whether that figure would be satisfactory to Brighton.

There are those, including trusted Telegraph reporter Matt Law, who say that the Seagulls may begin negotiations wanting as much as £120m, so talks could be long and arduous.

Chelsea should have the funds to finance a move for Caicedo

The impending departures of Kai Havertz (£65m), Mateo Kovacic (£25m), Kalidou Koulibaly (£17m) and Hakim Ziyech (£8m) mean that the Blues have already raised the best part of £115m through player sales this summer. That could soon be bolstered by the exits of Edouard Mendy and Mason Mount over the coming days.

Chelsea should, therefore, possess the financial resources to match Brighton’s demands, although they will still want to get the best deal possible.

Do Chelsea have other transfer targets?

A deal for Villarreal’s Nicolas Jackson is close to being agreed, although there is some work to do as the Blues want to pay the £3om fee in installments, while his club want the release clause paid upfront.

The London side are also in the market for a goalkeeper, another midfielder, and potentially a new number nine, but a lot is still dependent on how much more they can raise from player sales.