Chelsea have agreed a British record transfer fee of 115 million (HK$1.14 billion) for Brighton midfielder Moises Caicedo, according to media reports, even as Brazilian star Neymar is headed out of Paris Saint-Germain for Saudi Arabia.
Caicedo, 21,had also been a target for English Premier League rivals Liverpool, who on Friday agreed a reported record 110 million fee with Brighton. But it became clear over the weekend that the Ecuador international preferred a move to Chelsea and will join the west London club on an eight-year contract, reports said.
Chelsea, who drew 1-1 with Liverpool in their Premier League opener on Sunday, hope Caicedo will be available for their next match at West Ham.
He could line up in Mauricio Pochettino's team alongside Enzo Fernandez, who cost what was then a British record 107 million when he joined from Benfica earlier this year.
Caicedo was left out of Brighton's squad for their season-opening 4-1 win at home to Luton Town on Saturday.
Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia Pro League side Al Hilal has agreed a two-year deal with PSG for Neymar, Saudi state media reported.
There was no immediate comment from the Ligue 1 champions, owned by Qatar Sports Investments, but French newspaper L'Equipe said the deal could net 31-year-old Neymar 160 million euros.
The transfer fee was reported to be about 90 million euros plus add-ons and subject to completing a medical.
Sources said Neymar was having a medical in Paris yesterday and was expected to arrive in Riyadh tomorrow to be presented to fans at King Fahd Stadium.
Moises Caicedo prefers a move to Chelsea, who he will join on an eight-year contract. REUTERS
Neymar
