09 August 2023 , 23:35
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It was Gary Neville of all people who urged Liverpool to sign the "real deal" this summer - but Jurgen Klopp is set to miss out on another top target.
The Liverpool manager had initially made England midfielder Jude Bellingham his top target, but the Reds ultimately ruled themselves out of the race after baulking at Borussia Dortmund's £88 million asking price. And despite Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai both arriving at Anfield, a spate of departures has left Klopp still seeking reinforcements.
And one primary target emerged in the form of Brighton midfielder Moises Caicedo. Again though, the potential fee appeared a stumbling block, with Liverpool opting to pursue a cheaper alternative in Southampton teenager Romeo Lavia.
On the Overlap, Neville questioned the development, arguing: "They should just be going and getting Caicedo now for him and saying 'right, there you go, that's dealt with, it's sorted, it's £100m'. But they're not. They're trying to pinch someone off Southampton for 40 million quid [Lavia], who's a good player don't get me wrong, but Jurgen Klopp needs the real deal."
And now Chelsea are set to pounce on their hesitation. Brighton have been holding out for at least £100m for the Ecuador international, rejecting their London rivals' latest £80 million bid.
Klopp's dream Liverpool line up as last-gasp January transfers rejected
But the Blues are now readying an improved offer, with the Guardian reporting that talks between the two clubs have progressed this week. And Mauricio Pochettino is keen to have the player on board in time for his side's Premier League opener on Sunday - ironically against Liverpool.
Chelsea are closing in on Moises Caicedo (Getty)HAVE YOUR SAY! Have Liverpool messed up by missing out on Moises Caicedo? Comment below.
Indeed, the 21-year-old was left out of Brighton's squad for the friendly against Rayo Vallecano on Sunday. The club claimed his absence was injury-enforced, reasoning met with scepticism by club fans.
And to further rub salt into wounds, Chelsea have also tried to hijack the Merseyside club's chase of Lavia. Liverpool have been adamant they won't meet Southampton's £50 million valuation, and had a third bid - worth £45 million - rejected this week.
Chelsea, who were linked to Lavia last year, have now come in with a £48 million bid. Whether the Saints deem that close enough to their own price though remains to be seen, with the Championship club also set to lose James Ward-Prowse to West Ham.