Chelsea are reportedly "following" Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Moises Caicedo, who could be targeted by the Blues if they fail in their pursuit of Benfica's Enzo Fernandez.
Fernandez, who starred for World Cup winners Argentina in Qatar, is believed to be one of Chelsea's primary targets in the January transfer window.
The 21-year-old only arrived at Benfica over the summer from River Plate, but his performances for club and country have caught the eye of a number of top European clubs, including Graham Potter's side.
Chelsea have been in talks with Benfica to sign Fernandez this month, but the Portuguese giants are refusing to let the player leave unless his €120m (£106m) release clause is activated.
Fernandez allegedly wants to move to Stamford Bridge, but journalist Fabrizio Romano claims that Chelsea and Benfica are "no longer" in discussions over a deal for the midfielder.
Chelsea are refusing to pay Fernandez's release clause in its entirety and are now exploring potential alternatives, including Brighton star Caicedo who previously worked under Potter at the Amex Stadium.
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Speaking on his YouTube channel, Romano said: "Chelsea are now focused on other potential players. I would keep an eye on other midfielders too, let's see if Chelsea will decide to return for Enzo or go for another one.
"For example, a player they are following is Moises Caicedo from Brighton, who Graham Potter knows very well."
Speculation over Caicedo's future has recently been sparked as news has emerged that the midfielder is due to move to a new agency at the end of the month.
The 21-year-old is poised to link up with Futbol Division, the same company as his Ecuador international teammate Piero Hincapie, who plies his trade with Bayer Leverkusen.
Caicedo has made 28 senior appearances for Brighton since making his debut in August 2021 and is under contract until June 2025.
Liverpool and Manchester United have also been credited with an interest in Caicedo, but Brighton CEO Paul Barber recently revealed that the club are yet to receive any offers for the midfielder.
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Barber has also responded to joking comments made by Potter last season that a £42m bid would not even be enough to get Caicedo's boots, telling CBS Sports: "I'm pleased to say we haven't had any. Maybe Liverpool haven't got my email because I haven't seen any.
"I'm not sure £42m will even include the boots now, maybe just the laces. But joking aside, every player's value is ultimately determined by the market. Graham's comments were part in jest but part serious because Moises has been an exceptional player for us.
"Since he came to the Premier League, he has developed all the time. He's a young man with a great attitude, fantastic work ethic and a very nice human being off the pitch.
"So all those things contribute to the value of a footballer should it come to that moment to sell."
Caicedo is expected to be named in Brighton's matchday squad for their FA Cup third-round trip to Middlesbrough on Saturday.
Oliver Thomas
