Chelsea see improved £70m Moises Caicedo transfer bid rejected as Brighton midfielder continues to push for move to Stamford Bridge

• Blues fail with second approach
• Seagulls asking for £100m
• Plenty of time before deadline

WHAT HAPPENED? Said offer was put to the Seagulls on Monday and does not include any add-ons. It was dismissed by Brighton, with an initial approach of £60m ($79m) from Stamford Bridge having already been knocked back in the summer window.

THE BIGGER PICTURE: The Athletic reports that Chelsea have raised the stakes in a long-running saga that stretches back to January, with the Blues refusing to give up on a top target. Caicedo has admitted that he cannot turn down the chance to join a European heavyweight, with personal terms said to have already been agreed.

AND WHAT'S MORE: Ecuador international Caicedo has linked up with Brighton on their pre-season tour of the United States, but it remains to be seen whether he will make another competitive appearance for the club. The Seagulls are looking for around £100m ($131m) from any deal involving a prized asset that they have tied to a contract through to 2027.

IN TWO PHOTOS:

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WHAT NEXT? Chelsea are now mulling over a third bid, with it possible that England U21 international Levi Colwill could form part of ongoing discussions as Brighton remain keen on returning the highly-rated defender to the Amex Stadium following his productive loan spell last season – with a £30m ($39m) bid being rebuffed.