Details have emerged outlining Chelsea's failed attempt to hijack Liverpool's £35million deal to sign Alexis Mac Allister. New manager Mauricio Pochettino made a late move for his fellow Argentinian before the deal was completed on Thursday morning.
According to The Times, Newcastle and Manchester United were also interested in a move for Mac Allister, but the 24-year-old had his heart set on playing for Jurgen Klopp at Anfield. Liverpool took advantage of a release clause in Mac Allister's contract at Brighton and were able to complete a transfer for just £35million.
Chelsea remain interested in his former team-mate Moises Caicedo with the Blues set to push to sign the Ecuadorian midfielder this summer, football.london understands. Caicedo does not have a specific release clause in his contract that Chelsea can activate, meaning the Seagulls are in a strong bargaining position - with a fee in the region of £100million being mooted for the 21-year-old's signature.
The Blues had a verbal offer in the region of £55million for Caicedo rejected by Brighton in January but are prepared to reignite their interest this summer, while Arsenal also had two bids rejected at the start of the year. Chelsea signed Marc Cucurella from the south-coast club last year and will be hoping they can successfully raid Roberto De Zerbi's side again ahead of next season.
Todd Boehly pulled out of negotiations for Sporting CP midfielder Manuel Ugarte over wage concerns with Paris-Saint Germain now expected to announce the signing of the 22-year-old. Pochettino had identified Ugarte as a priority target, before the Blues withdrew from negotiating a deal with Sporting.
READ MORE: Chelsea news and transfers LIVE: £172m deal done, Neymar move, Mbappe hint, Caicedo offer
Pochettino wants to sign a new midfielder to partner Enzo Fernandez, football.london understands. N'Golo Kante is set to leave Stamford Bridge and complete a move to Saudi Arabia after accepting a £172million contract offer from Al-Ittihad.
Mateo Kovacic is another player that could leave which would weaken Chelsea's midfield options. Manchester City have opened talks with the player's camp over a potential £35million deal to move to the Etihad Stadium.
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