BREAKING NEWS: Chelsea have FINALLY agreed a UK record deal to beat Liverpool with Moises Caicedo…

Chelsea are on the verge of completing a British record £115 million transfer for Brighton midfielder Moises Caicedo.

After weeks of discussions and failed bids, the Blues have agreed a fee for the Ecuador midfielder, which will see Brighton earn a minimum of £100 million plus a further £15 million in add-ons.

It is hoped the 21-year-old can undergo a medical in the next 48 hours before signing a long-term contract with Stamford Bridge.

Caicedo appeared to be close to Liverpool last week after the Reds saw a £111m offer accepted by Brighton.

But Chelsea chiefs have made great progress in the last 48 hours and an agreement has been reached with Brighton owner Tony Bloom. Former Brighton recruitment specialist Paul Winstanley, now at Chelsea, is said to have been at the forefront of the deal.

About half of the £15 million add-ons would be easily achievable, while the rest would be considerably more difficult to achieve.

With that in mind, Chelsea believe they will eventually pay a similar fee to Enzo Fernandez, who joined from Benfica in January for £107m – the current British record.

It represents excellent business for Brighton, who bought Caicedo from Independiente del Valle in 2021 for a bargain £4.5 million.

Chelsea are also offering around £55 million for Southampton midfielder Romeo Lavia, who was also the subject of three failed bids from Liverpool.

Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi made a little dig at Caicedo for reporters during Friday’s press conference ahead of the Premier League game against Luton.

The Zerbi said, “I have already forgotten Moises. I’m really proud of the players we have in the squad.

“We want to keep improving. The credit goes to the club. Bigger clubs can buy our players, but not our soul or spirit.’

Caicedo impressed with the Seagulls, making 37 appearances for the club last season as they finished sixth in the top flight and qualified for the Europa League.